Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon, Snakes Beard, Lilyturf, Aztec Grass)
Do not Feed- Common Name: Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon, Snakes Beard, Lilyturf, Aztec Grass)
- Latin Name: Ophiopogon spp.
- Family Name: Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
This ornamental garden plant is not a true grass, but closely related to the Lily family of plants. It grows from rhizomes that are high in saponins. Although some saponins are not toxic, it is difficult to know the type of saponin in any individual plant, and so we would recommend erring on the side of caution and not feeding this plant to your tortoise.
While the grass-like leaves are often black (or green and changing to black), the flowers are usually white, pink, or lavender, and the berries are usually a glossy black or sometimes bright metallic blue in colour. Black Mondo Grass can easily be confused with Lily Turf (Liriope), so be sure you have identified your plant correctly.
While the grass-like leaves are often black (or green and changing to black), the flowers are usually white, pink, or lavender, and the berries are usually a glossy black or sometimes bright metallic blue in colour. Black Mondo Grass can easily be confused with Lily Turf (Liriope), so be sure you have identified your plant correctly.
