The formation of Pt nanowires (NWs) by atomic layer deposition on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) is investigated. Pt is deposited only at the step edges of HOPG and not on the basal planes, leading to the formation of laterally aligned Pt NWs. A growth model involving a morphological transition from 0-D to 1-D structures via coalescence is presented. The width of the NWs grows at a rate greater than twice the vertical growth rate. This asymmetry is ascribed to the wetting properties of Pt on HOPG as influenced by the formation of graphene oxide. A difference in Pt growth kinetics based on crystallographic orientation may also contribute.