Creeping Plant

a plant whose stems spread along the ground and root by means of adventitious roots. Creeping stems with short internodes are called runners, and those with long internodes are called stolons. Aboveground shoots grow from the nodes besides the adventitious roots. The nodes of the new shoots produce new runners or stolons, by means of which the plant reproduces vegetatively. Creeping plants grow well on slightly soddy soils, and in moist meadows, where the plants form a great number of long, creeping shoots. Such creeping plants as white clover and silverweed can withstand pasturing well. Commercially valuable creeping plants include berry plants (strawberry, cranberry), forage plants (white clover), and food plants (sweet potato). Some creeping plants prevent soil erosion.