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 examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

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 14 Nov. 2024.

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