Trees and Shrubs
What are the general characteristics of trees and
shrubs? How does one identify a plant as a tree nor a shrub?
"A tree can be defined as a large, perennial, woody plant. Though
there is no set definition regarding minimum size, the term
generally applies to plants at least 6 m (20 ft) high at maturity
and, more importantly, having secondary branches supported on a
single main stem or trunk (see shrub for comparison). Compared
with most other plant forms, trees are long-lived. A few species
of trees grow to 100 m tall, and some can live for several
"A shrub or bush is a horticultural rather than strictly
botanical category of woody plant, distinguished from a tree by
its multiple stems and lower height, usually less than 6 m tall.
A large number of plants can be either shrubs or trees, depending
on the growing conditions they experience. Small, low shrubs such
as lavender, periwinkle and thyme are often termed subshrubs."
Anthony Brach Ph.D.
Click here to return to the Botany Archives
Update: June 2012