Subshrub facts for kids

Lavandula stoechas growing in its natural home.

Linnaea borealis, also known as twinflower.

A subshrub is a type of plant that has woody stems, but it's smaller than a typical shrub. Think of it as a plant that's somewhere between a regular plant and a full-sized bush. The word "subshrub" comes from the Latin word suffrutex.

Gardeners and botanists use this term to describe plants that are usually less than 10 to 20 centimeters (about 4 to 8 inches) tall. Their stems might not be as strong or woody as a shrub's, and they might not live as many years.

What Makes a Plant a Subshrub?

Subshrubs have a few key features that help us tell them apart:

• Woody Stems: Like trees and shrubs, subshrubs have stems that are hard and woody, not soft and green like many smaller plants.
• Smaller Size: They are generally much shorter than shrubs. While a shrub can grow quite tall, a subshrub stays low to the ground.
• Lifespan: Many subshrubs are perennial plants, meaning they live for more than two years. However, some might only last a few years, unlike larger shrubs that can live for decades.
• Partial Woodiness: Sometimes, only the lower parts of a subshrub's stems become woody, while the upper parts stay softer and might die back in winter.

Examples of Subshrubs You Might Know

You've probably seen many subshrubs without even realizing it!

• Lavender: This popular plant, known for its beautiful purple flowers and calming scent, is a great example of a subshrub. Its woody base supports its fragrant stems.
• Periwinkle: Often used as a ground cover, periwinkle has trailing stems that are slightly woody.
• Thyme: This herb, used in cooking, forms a low, woody mat.
• Cranberries: These berries grow on low, creeping plants that are also considered subshrubs. They are part of the Ericaceae family, which includes many other subshrubs.

Understanding subshrubs helps us appreciate the amazing variety in the plant world, from tiny mosses to giant trees!

See also

In Spanish: Subarbusto para niños