subshrub

noun

sub·​shrub ˈsəb-ˌshrəb How to pronounce subshrub (audio)
 especially Southern  -ˌsrəb
: a perennial plant having woody stems except for the terminal part of the new growth which is killed back annually
also : a low shrub

Examples of subshrub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These thirsty tropical flowers are treated as spring and summer annuals in most of the country, but will grow as perennial subshrubs in Zones 10 and 11. Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024 Bloom Time Late spring until first frost Flower Color White, pink, purple, red, orange Hardiness Zones 10-11 (USDA) Native Area Africa Impatiens Care In their native environment, impatiens grow as subshrubs in wet, tropical forests. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subshrub.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subshrub was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near subshrub

Cite this Entry

“Subshrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subshrub. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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