Liriope
![Yellow button reading moderate risk, evaluate](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/moderate_risk_yellow_button.png)
![A green grasslike clumping plant with spikes of purple flowers](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image-379.png)
Liriope muscari is a large, clumping grasslike perennial that’s traditionally been popular as a groundcover, due to its quick growth habit and spikes of light purple blooms. It’s also known as big blue lilyturf, border grass, or lilyturf.
Though not actually spreading by underground stems, an individual plant after several years can reach 24 inches in width by suckering at the base and will quickly cover an open area.
It’s that spreading growth habit that has moved the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas to list Liriope muscari (and the related Liriope spicata) as a moderate risk of invasion. They are currently evaluating the plant. If you have liriope in your landscape, or are planning to add it, monitor its spread to prevent escape.
If you’re looking for an alternative border grass, mondo grass might be an option.