Information About Shrubs

A shrub is usually defined as a small, woody, perennial plant less than 15 feet tall and often having several stems or trunks that arise from a common base. Branches from a shrub often come near or touch the ground.

Conifers and Flowers

Shrubs, like most seed-producing plants, can be divided into those that produce cones and those that produce flowers. Cone-producing plants also have modified leaves that are called needles.

Wild and Cultivated

Shrubs grow naturally in the wild (blueberry, blackberry, elderberry and yew are some common examples) or they can be planted by homeowners and landscapers. Azaelas, mountain laurel and rhododendron are some common shrubs that are planted by gardeners.

Wildlife Conservation

Some types of shrubs are planted in hedgerows and windbreaks to provide shelter, habitat and food for wild game such as turkeys, deer, pheasant, quail and rabbits.

Landscaped Shrubs

Varieties of wild shrubs are developed and sold to homeowners to be used in landscaping. A line of shrubs that is well trimmed and properly maintained makes a good property boundary.

Eating Shrubs

Blueberries, grapes, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are some of the common foods grown on a row of cultivated shrubs.

References

• Definition of Shrub
• Uses of Shrubs

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Busy again) (Athena Flickr