Groundcover

Groundcover of Vinca major

Groundcover or ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. Groundcover provides protection of the topsoil from erosion and drought.

In an ecosystem, the ground cover forms the layer of vegetation below the shrub layer known as the herbaceous layer. The most widespread ground covers are grasses of various types.

In agriculture, ground cover refers to anything that lies on top of the soil and protects it from erosion and inhibits weeds. It can be anything from a low layer of grasses to a plastic material. The term ground cover can also specifically refer to landscaping fabric which is like a breathable tarp that allows water and gas exchange.

Microstegium vimineum, an invasive groundcover.

In gardening jargon, however, the term "groundcover" refers to plants that are used in place of weeds and improves appearance by concealing bare earth.

Groundcover in gardening

Five general types of plants are commonly used as groundcovers in gardening:[1][2][3]

Of these types, some of the most common groundcovers include:

See also

References

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