Which plants can act as both a vine and a groundcover?

Vines and groundcovers serve important roles in landscape architecture, providing erosion control, aesthetic appeal, and habitat for wildlife. The correct answer highlights plants that have the ability to grow both as climbing vines and as low-growing groundcovers.

Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, can attach itself to vertical surfaces like walls or fences, functioning as a vine. Simultaneously, if grown in a more horizontal orientation or in a densely planted manner, it can spread out over the ground as a groundcover, effectively covering bare soil while also suppressing weeds.

Trachelospermum jasminoides, or star jasmine, exhibits similar versatility. Known for its fragrant flowers, it can climb via its twining stems or be used as a groundcover to create lush, green areas. Its adaptability allows it to be versatile in landscape design, serving beautification and functionality in various applications.

In contrast, the other options provided consist of plants that do not exhibit this dual behavior effectively. For example, red maple and wax myrtle are trees and shrubs, respectively, and do not function as either vines or groundcovers. Philodendron and lady palm primarily serve as substantial foliage plants without the climbing ability. Cypress and sea grape are also