Prostrate
/PROS-trayt/🌱 Growth Habits●● Intermediate
Also known as: creeping, mat-forming
A growth habit where stems grow horizontally along the soil surface, remaining close to the ground. Often used as groundcover. Distinguished from decumbent (stems initially prostrate, then ascending).
Etymology
From Latin prostratus, meaning "thrown down," from prosternere (to lay flat).
Example
“Creeping thyme has a prostrate habit that makes it ideal for planting between stepping stones.”