ground cover
noun
1
: the small plants on a forest floor except young trees
2
a
: a planting of low plants (such as ivy) that covers the ground in place of turf
b
: a plant adapted for use as ground cover
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Both drought and heat tolerant, this low-growing ground cover is another favorite of McCurry's for annual plantings. 
Terri Robertson, Country Living, 22 June 2022 Not to be confused with the layman’s idea of ground cover, such as ajuga or English ivy, this foundational layer, from 6 to 12 inches tall, is meant to function like a canvas, accounting for about 50% of your plant material. Catherine Romano, WSJ, 13 Aug. 2022 In most fires in the region, ground cover and understory vegetation burn. Xander Peters, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2022 Bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2022 Then plant a ground cover that will tolerate dry shade to fill the rest of the area. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2022 Foot-tall mounds of lush foliage make an attractive ground cover until late summer, when colorful flower heads steal the show. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 9 July 2022 Conventionally, grass is replaced with a wide area of a single ground cover, such as pachysandra, myrtle, or liriope. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2022 Alternatives to lawns include ornamental grasses, native plants and trees, various hardscapes such as pathways or gravel, and ground cover, such as clover, that doesn't require frequent mowing and watering. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2022 See More
Terri Robertson, Country Living, 22 June 2022 Not to be confused with the layman’s idea of ground cover, such as ajuga or English ivy, this foundational layer, from 6 to 12 inches tall, is meant to function like a canvas, accounting for about 50% of your plant material. Catherine Romano, WSJ, 13 Aug. 2022 In most fires in the region, ground cover and understory vegetation burn. Xander Peters, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2022 Bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2022 Then plant a ground cover that will tolerate dry shade to fill the rest of the area. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2022 Foot-tall mounds of lush foliage make an attractive ground cover until late summer, when colorful flower heads steal the show. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 9 July 2022 Conventionally, grass is replaced with a wide area of a single ground cover, such as pachysandra, myrtle, or liriope. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2022 Alternatives to lawns include ornamental grasses, native plants and trees, various hardscapes such as pathways or gravel, and ground cover, such as clover, that doesn't require frequent mowing and watering. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1