by Mary Free, Extension Master Gardener
What are the underground stems from which roots and shoots grow?
Some perennials, like ferns, gingers, grasses, and irises, have modified stems that grow horizontally at or just below the ground surface and can produce new roots and shoots from their nodes. This allows them to spread effectively as ground covers and to stabilize the soil, but also potentially to form dense colonies, which may become invasive if they outcompete native plants. Click here to learn more about these modified plant stems.
Photo © Mary Free
