The plant commonly known as Monkey Grass, or Liriope, is a popular groundcover used in landscapes across the United States. This hardy, grass-like perennial is valued for its evergreen foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. A common concern arises in late summer and fall when the plant produces small, dark, bead-like fruits, leading many to question the safety of this garden plant.
Identifying Monkey Grass (Liriope) and its Berries
Liriope is easily recognized by its arching, strap-like, dark green leaves that typically grow between 12 and 18 inches long. In late summer, the plant sends up slender spikes of showy flowers, which can be lilac-purple, pink, or white, rising above the foliage. These flowers are followed by the characteristic fruits, which are small, single-seeded berries.
The berries are pea-sized and develop a deep, glossy, blue-black or purplish-black coloration as they mature. Liriope berries often persist on the flower spike well into the winter months. Proper identification of the plant and its fruit is the first step in addressing safety concerns.
Toxicity Status: Are Liriope Berries Poisonous?
Liriope berries are mildly toxic but not typically life-threatening. The plant contains organic compounds called saponins, which are naturally occurring chemicals found in many different plant species. Saponins can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion.
Consuming the berries can cause unpleasant effects, but severe poisoning is highly unlikely. Most exposure cases involve only minor, transient symptoms due to the low concentration of the toxic agent. The dose ingested plays a significant role in determining the severity of the reaction, and a small number of berries rarely leads to anything beyond stomach upset.
What to Do Following Exposure
Ingestion of Liriope berries commonly results in mild gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. These effects are the body’s natural response to the irritating saponins present in the fruit. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and resolve without aggressive medical intervention.
If a child or pet has eaten any quantity of the berries, first have them rinse their mouth with water to remove any remaining plant material. Contact a medical professional or the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately for personalized guidance. They can provide a risk assessment based on the estimated amount consumed and the size of the individual, offering clear action steps.