Family: Asparagaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) is a perennial groundcover native to parts of Asia, ranging from central and southern Japan through China and Southeast Asia to Cambodia. This grass-like ornamental plant forms dense clumps of narrow green leaves and spreads by underground rhizomes, creating thick mats of vegetation. In late summer to fall, it produces spikes of small lavender to pale purple flowers followed by dark berries. Creeping lilyturf is commonly used in landscaping as a low-maintenance groundcover, border plant, erosion-control species, and lawn substitute because it tolerates shade, drought, poor soils, and a variety of growing conditions.

Risks & Threats:
Although Liriope spicata is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. Its vigorous spreading rhizomes allow it to form dense colonies that can outcompete and displace other vegetation, including native plants. The species is difficult to remove once established because underground rhizomes readily resprout after disturbance. In warm, moist climates, creeping lilyturf may spread beyond cultivated areas into forests, roadsides, and disturbed habitats where it could contribute to reduced native biodiversity and altered understory plant communities. Because of these risks, caution is recommended when planting this species in Hawaiʻi, particularly near natural areas. When possible, consider choosing lower-risk or native alternatives such as ʻukiʻuki (Dianella sandwicensis), dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), pōlōlei (Carex wahuensis), or other non-invasive groundcovers better suited for responsible landscaping in Hawaiʻi.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (zones 4B–10A; tolerates drought, salt)
  
• Native to subtropical/tropical regions (Vietnam, Taiwan, subtropical China)
  
• Repeated introductions outside native range (e.g., Alabama, Hawaii)
  
• Naturalized beyond native range
  
• Unpalatable to deer and rabbits
  
• Shade tolerant (full sun to full shade)
  
• Tolerates wide soil conditions (sand, clay, acidic, alkaline, salt, drought)
  
• Geophyte with rhizomes
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes (spreads quickly)
  
• Minimum generative time of 1 year (fast-growing perennial)
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (ornamental)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds (blue-black berries)
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Tolerates mowing/cultivation; rhizomes persist

Low Risk Traits:

• No agricultural weed status
  
• No spines, thorns, burrs, or allelopathic properties
  
• Not parasitic, toxic, or allergenic
  
• Not a fire hazard (fire-safe plant)
  
• No seedbank persistence (seeds do not store well)
  
• Not a prolific seed producer
  
• No wind, water, or external animal dispersal
  
• No evidence of hybridization or self-compatibility