Prostrate shrub

Alternatively, it may occur because of a genetic disposition for branches to grow horizontally on or just under the ground; for example, as a strategy to avoid overly strong sunlight.

[3] The origin of others is unclear; Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana) is a popular and widely used garden plant in Australia, a prostrate form of which is also in cultivation.

[6] Many species of Cotoneaster, such as C. apiculatus, are prostrate ornamentals,[7] as are the closely related Pyracanthas, and the humilis variant of sweetbox, Sarcococca hookeriana var.

Heaths (Erica carnea and related species) and heathers (Calluna vulgaris) are prostrate shrubs often featured prominently in rock gardens.

[9] Although, strictly speaking, herbaceous, the North American bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), a member of the dogwood genus, can appear as a prostrate shrub when growing in the garden.