Most Invasive Perrenial? Z4, shade, woods.

[Bull Moose]

LCPs, I am looking for a very invasive perennial to cover a large area.

The area is a series of nature paths running through a wooded section of my property. The area is mostly shaded by tree cover. The paths are about 4 feet across and run for several hundred feet. I am Zone 4.

The original property owner seeded grass for the paths. The grass is not producing as there is much competition from weeds and other growth, as well as limited sunlight.

I was considering Periwinkle (vinca something or other). I hear it is easy spreading and does well in shade.

[Kate Butler]

Is this something you want to grow that can be walked on? No matter what any ads say, not much will tolerate anything but the lightest foot traffic. Vinca is lovely primarily because it's evergreen. It does very well in shade or sun (better green color in shade).

If it isn't to be walked on you have lots of choices:

Anemone canadensis (tall ground cover)
Phlox divaricata
Polemonium reptans (creeping Jacob's ladder)
the Phlox & the Polemonium look GREAT planted together - they grow to the same height but with different leaf forms and color, but bloom at the same time.
Convallaris majalis (lily of the valley)
Asarum europaeus (glossy ginger)
Asarum canadense (native wild ginger)
Lamium maculatum (dead nettle, pink or white with variegated leaves)
Hosta hybrids run the gamut from 6" to 5' tall

All of the above are hardy to Zone 3A.

Do a search for "shade perennials"+aggressive for more choices - these are just the tip of the iceberg.

[Newt*]

Bull Moose,

Vinca would be difficult to walk on as it grows by runners and will catch the tips of your feet.

How about moss? You can either make a slurry of your own or purchase it. Here's some info about growing moss.
http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/page32.htm
http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/page33.htm

This place is in Pennsylvania and sells moss. Lots to look at with pics of ideas.
http://mossacres.com/

Here's how to purchase a moss slurry from them which is less expensive then purchasing the moss.
http://mossacres.com/shade-plants.asp

This site might have something you like. Click on 'Find Plants' and then 'Find the right plant for the right spot'. I only put in your hardiness zone, shade and moderate foot traffic and got a couple I think you might like. I like the Veronica and you can even get seeds.
http://stepables.com/

Newt

[Bull Moose]

Kate and Newt, thank you very much for your answers. Great information for me to research.

[Newt*]

Bull Moose, you are very welcome! I'd love to know what you select.

Newt