What is the growth pattern of hop clover?

The growth pattern of hop clover is characterized by its mat-forming habit. This means that the plant tends to grow horizontally along the ground, forming a dense carpet-like cover. This growth form is effective for soil stabilization and can help suppress weed growth due to the coverage it provides. The mat-forming nature of hop clover allows it to spread out and occupy a space, which can be beneficial in various landscape and turf applications where ground coverage is desired.

In contrast, spreading and climbing plants typically have a growth habit that allows them to reach upward or extend across surfaces, which does not accurately represent hop clover's low-profile growth. Similarly, an upright and dense pattern is more typical of plants that grow vertically rather than forming a mat along the ground. Ground-cover with runners might describe some other plant species that produce stolons or runners to propagate, but hop clover's primary characteristic is its ability to form a flat mat rather than extending through runners. Therefore, the correct identification of hop clover as mat-forming is essential for understanding its role in ornamental and turf settings.