I suppose one of the prostrate junipers is too obvious an answer? Many kinds
are 6 inches or less in height and may spread out 4 or 5 feet in diameter.
Also microbiota decussata, another member of the cupressus family, native to
Siberia, hence hardy in any climate, has similar growth habits.
"Stephen M. Henning" wrote in message
news
(MDO) wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for an evergreen groundcover in Zone
5 (Central Illinois)?
I have an area that gets partial shade. Would like something that
stays green all year, but is fairly low to the ground and spreads
quickly.

The following do well in sun or shade and will survive drought:

Euonymus fortunei (big leaf wintercreeper) will climb trees.
Hedera helix (English ivy) will climb trees. Need hardy variety.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper, woodbine) likes shade.

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