Reading the Leaves
 | | Liriope spicata |
After last week's article on Liriope Spicata, a reader emailed to ask how to differentiate spicata from other green Liriope muscari varieties. The simplest way I use to distinguish spicata from muscari is just by visually examining the texture. The spicata leaves will be much narrower and markedly pointed on the ends, like spikes or swords. The muscari has a wider blade, and the ends are more rounded or blunted. So we are essentually talking about a fine texture for spicata verses a coarse texture for muscari. Next is growth habit. Even in a 4" pot or gallon container, spicata will run around the given space, sometimes leaving an inch or two of soil between the blades at the base. The muscari will pretty much all emerge from the same base, making it a clumper instead of a runner.  | | Liriope muscari 'True Blue' |
The color is next, as spicata will generally be a lighter green. This is not the most reliable factor though as there are so many other variables that could make a spicata darker or a muscari lighter. The most accurate way to put it is that under similar conditions, the muscari will usually be darker. And last is height. A mature spicata will be about 3" taller than a mature muscari. As an afterthought I will mention blooms, but that is not always reliable because of other uncontrollable factors that could skew the results. In general, spicata is not a prolific bloomer, but when it does bloom, the color will be a very pale (almost white) lavender while muscari will usually have darker and more prominent blooms. I hope this helps. Just remember, blade texture and growth habit are the two most reliable clues. To get a better look at the view of the different textures of these plants, just click the photos. | 
