Family: Asparagaceae

Ophiopogon jaburan (giant lilyturf, mondo grass) is an evergreen perennial native to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. This plant is often cultivated as a medicinal plant in China. It is said to have anticancer and antibacterial activity. It is also taken internally for the treatment of dry cough, fevers, thirst, constipation, insomnia, anxiety and heart palpitations. In agroforestry, it works particularly well for erosion control. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Unpalatable to deer, rabbits and possibly other browsing animals
  
• Possibly mildly toxic
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds (in temperate climates), and by division
  
• Reaches maturity in 2 years
  
• Seeds, if produced, adapted for dispersal by birds and other frugivorous animals

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Rarely flowers, or produces seeds, in warmer climates, limiting chances for inadvertent dispersal
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control if needed