The term groundcover refers to plants that creep or spread, and create a solid area of foliage that carpets the ground. Native groundcover plants can range in height from a soil-hugging six inches to ferns that exceed three feet. Rhizomatous plants – plants that are naturally colony-forming – often work best. Groundcover may be planted for an aesthetic effect, but it also reduces weed growth, controls erosion and provides a lawn alternative that minimizes mowing.