What is a plant runner?

A plant runner, also known as a stolon, is a horizontal stem portion that grows from the base of the plant. The tip of a stolon develops buds that grow into new plants. The lower portion of a stolon develops nodes, which typically form adventitious roots.

A plant usually grow stolons in several directions to produce multiple clones. These clones, called ramets, provide additional pathways to the mother plant for water and nutrients. Strawberry plants are a common example of multidirectional stolons. Cultivation of strawberry runners can be beneficial since large crops can be produced from just a few plants.