Groundcover also inhibits the amount of light which reaches the floor of an ecosystem. In some areas, the groundcover can become so dense that no seeds can permeate the surface, and the forest is instead converted to shrubbery. This filtration provides ample amount of space between the seeds for future growth.

The groundcover filters out a large amount seeds, but lets a smaller portion of seeds pass through and grow. All tree seedlings must first fall from their origin trees and then permeate the layer created by groundcover in order to reach the soil and germinate. Groundcover has also been known to influence the placement and growth of tree seedlings. Active responses occur with sudden disturbances to the environment, such as tornadoes and forest fires. Legacy responses occur during long-term changes to an environment, such as the conversion of a forest to agricultural land and back into forest. These responses can be classified as legacy or active responses. Like most foliage, groundcover reacts to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

Under/Above Ground growth: Produced from rhizomes and stolons.

Base growth: New plants produced from the base of the origin plant.

Side growth: Branches on the side of the plant extend outwards upon contact with the soil.

Groundcover typically reproduces one of five ways: The herbaceous layer can constitute up to 4% of the overall net primary productivity (NPP) of an ecosystem, four times its average biomass. Additionally, the herbaceous layer ratio of biomass to contribution to plant productivity is disproportionate in many ecosystems. The groundcover layer of a forest can contribute up to 90% of the ecosystem's plant diversity. However, groundcover is crucial to the survival of many environments. The herbaceous layer is often overlooked in most ecological analyses because it is so common and contributes the smallest amount of the environment's overall biomass. Groundcover in a forest in Dülmen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany In gardening jargon, however, the term groundcover refers to plants that are used in place of weeds and improves appearance by concealing bare earth. The term ground cover can also specifically refer to landscaping fabric which is like a breathable tarp that allows water and gas exchange.

It can be anything from a low layer of grasses to a plastic material. In agriculture, ground cover refers to anything that lies on top of the soil and protects it from erosion and inhibits weeds. The term groundcover could also be referring to “the herbaceous layer,” “regenerative layer', “ground flora” or even 'step over.' In ecology, groundcover is a difficult subject to address because it is known by several different names and is classified in several different ways. The most widespread ground covers are grasses of various types. In an ecosystem, the ground cover forms the layer of vegetation below the shrub layer known as the herbaceous layer. Groundcover provides protection of the topsoil from erosion and drought. Sweet woodruff foliage can be dried and used in wreaths, potpourri, and other craft creations.Groundcover or ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. You will have to experiment to arrive at the right balance between giving it enough water to keep it alive and giving it so much that it becomes invasive. This plant thrives in wet soils, which is why planting it in dry soil and denying it water helps keep it in check. It grows to a maximum height of about 12 inches with an 18-inch spread, and it flowers with white blossoms in spring.

It can even thrive in the acidic conditions under large pine trees. However, sweet woodruff can be a good ground cover choice for dry shade, such as in areas under big trees. This aromatic herb can be an invasive plant when grown in moist soil, where it sometimes spreads out of control. If you are looking for a low-maintenance ground cover, sweet woodruff ( Galium odoratum) is a good pick, but only under certain conditions. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Shade ground cover