Beijing Grass (Murdannia loriformis)
Regular price $19.95Fast-Spreading Medicinal Groundcover
Beijing Grass is a rare medicinal herb in the Spiderwort family prized for its vigorous growth, edible foliage, and long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This low-growing perennial spreads quickly to form a lush grassy groundcover, making it equally useful planted directly in the garden or grown in containers. Smooth green leaves reach about 3–6 inches long and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or juiced.
Beijing Grass has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is traditionally valued for immune, respiratory, and anti-inflammatory support. Its foliage contains naturally occurring flavonoids, syringic acid, and glycosphingolipids, including G1B, which have been studied for their antioxidant and other biological properties. In colder climates, plants can be overwintered indoors and brought back outside when temperatures warm.
Cultural & Herbal Significance
Beijing Grass has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has traditionally been valued for supporting respiratory health and overall wellness. Its naturally occurring plant compounds have also been the subject of scientific research, including studies examining antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
The tender leaves are edible and versatile, with a mild grassy flavor that works well eaten fresh, cooked, or juiced. Its combination of rapid growth and useful foliage makes it an interesting addition to medicinal and edible gardens.
Why Grow Beijing Grass?
- Grow a rare medicinal herb that is surprisingly easy and vigorous.
- Enjoy a fast-spreading perennial groundcover with smooth, edible leaves.
- Harvest the 3–6 inch leaves for fresh eating, cooking, or juicing.
- Add a traditional Chinese medicinal herb to your home apothecary garden.
- Grow it in the ground or containers and easily overwinter plants indoors.
Growing Tips
Plant Beijing Grass in spring or fall when temperatures are mild, spacing plants 12–18 inches apart to allow room for spreading growth and good air circulation. It thrives in warm tropical to subtropical climates and is best suited to USDA Zones 9–11, but it can also be grown indoors in containers year-round. Choose a partially shaded to fully shaded location with filtered or indirect light. Beijing Grass can tolerate some direct sunlight, particularly in the morning, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves while too little light may reduce vigor. Prepare fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5–7.0; it adapts to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. When planting, work compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering regularly during dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In containers, use a well-draining potting mix and a container with adequate drainage holes.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and supplement with compost or other organic matter. Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, particularly when plants are grown in containers or poor soil. Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to maintain appearance, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. Beijing Grass requires minimal maintenance once established. Monitor for aphids and spider mites and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Watch for fungal problems such as root rot and leaf spot by maintaining good spacing and air circulation and avoiding overhead watering; fungicides can be used if necessary. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season, ideally in the morning after the dew has dried. Cut leaves with scissors or garden shears without damaging the main stems; regular harvesting encourages new growth and helps maintain the plant's shape. In colder climates, bring container-grown plants indoors before freezing temperatures.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Murdannia loriformis |
| Common Names | Beijing Grass |
| Family | Spiderwort family |
| Plant Type | Perennial Groundcover Herb |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing, spreading |
| Growth Rate | Very Fast |
| Mature Size | Spreading groundcover |
| Leaf Size | 3–6 in. |
| Foliage | Smooth, green |
| Light | Partial Shade, Full Shade; filtered or indirect light |
| Soil | Fertile, well-draining; sandy or loamy |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Water Needs | Consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging |
| Fertilizer | Balanced slow-release fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season |
| Spacing | 12–18 in. |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 |
| Indoor Growing | Can be grown indoors in containers year-round |
| Container Growing | Well-draining potting mix and drainage holes |
| Propagation | Divisions |
| Harvest Season | Throughout growing season |
| Harvest | Leaves |
| Harvest Method | Cut leaves with scissors or garden shears |
| Culinary Uses | Raw, cooked, juiced |
| Uses | Edible, medicinal, groundcover |
| Pests | Aphids, spider mites |
| Potential Diseases | Root rot, leaf spot |
| Maintenance | Minimal once established |
| Winter Care | Overwinter indoors in colder climates |
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