ground cover

American  

Or groundcover

noun

1. the herbaceous plants and low shrubs in a forest, considered as a whole.

2. any of a variety of low-growing or trailing plants used to cover the ground in areas where grass is difficult to grow, as in dense shade or on steep slopes.

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ground cover British  

noun

1. 1. dense low herbaceous plants and shrubs that grow over the surface of the ground, esp, in a forest, preventing soil erosion or, in a garden, stifling weeds

   2. ( as modifier )

      ground-cover plants

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Etymology

Origin of ground cover

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The agency’s website includes a long list of acceptable plants, which, unlike many such sites, starts with a long list of California native shrubs, grasses and ground covers that Guerrero compiled.

From Los Angeles Times

Permafrost ground covers roughly a quarter of the landmass in the Northern Hemisphere and stores tremendous quantities of organic carbon in the form of dead plant matter.

From Science Daily

“Over time, we are planting native ground covers and low grasses, punctuated with flowering plants,” she said.

From Seattle Times

They mingle with puffy red and fuchsia dahlias and purple phlox, as well as hydrangeas, sedum and Creeping Jenny, a ground cover that doubles as paths for strolling.

From Seattle Times

He recommends starting with small-sized plants that will establish more quickly, from ground covers to shrubs and trees for a layered effect.

From Seattle Times