Black Mondo Grass

Meet the plant that decided green was overrated. Black Mondo Grass doesn't just stand out – it practically screams "look at me" with its dramatic, almost black foliage that looks like it belongs in a Tim Burton movie. This isn't your typical lawn grass; it's more like nature's version of goth fashion.
Don't let the name fool you – this isn't actually grass at all, but a member of the lily family that just happens to grow in grass-like clumps. Those dark, narrow leaves create striking contrasts against lighter plants, making everything else in your garden look more vibrant by comparison. It's like having a natural spotlight operator in your landscaping crew.
The coolest part? Black Mondo Grass stays true to its dramatic aesthetic year-round. While other plants are busy changing colors with the seasons, this little rebel maintains its deep, dark vibe no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. In late summer, it even produces tiny purple flowers followed by black berries, because apparently regular-colored fruit wasn't dramatic enough.
You'll spot this scene-stealer doing its thing in our median plantings, adding that perfect touch of unexpected sophistication that makes people do double-takes and wonder if they're seeing things correctly.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Scientific name:
Asparagaceae
Family: