Shrubs
Shrubs
Shrubs (/ʃrʌbz/), also known as bushes, are small- to medium-sized plants with woody stems. They are distinguished from trees by their multiple stems and shorter height, less than 6 m-10 m (20 ft–33 ft) tall. A large number of plants can be either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience.
Etymology
The term "shrub" comes from the Old English scrub, which means a shrubbery; it was first used in the 14th century.
Types of Shrubs
There are several types of shrubs including:
- Deciduous shrubs - These shrubs shed their leaves annually. Examples include the Dogwood and Honeysuckle.
- Evergreen shrubs - These shrubs retain their leaves throughout the year. Examples include the Holly and Juniper.
- Semi-evergreen shrubs - These shrubs retain their leaves for more than one year but less than indefinitely. Examples include the Boxwood and Rhododendron.
Medical Uses
Many shrubs have been used in traditional medicine. For example, the Willow shrub's bark contains salicin, a compound that is chemically similar to aspirin. The Tea tree shrub is known for its essential oil which has antiseptic properties.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.