Branched

Figure 1: SHRUB WITH BRANCHED
HABIT (Laurus nobilis

A branched shrub is defined as "a plant with lateral shoots arising either from a main stem or from a Central point. Relatively few sub-lateral shoots."

For example:

Amelanchier spp.
Arbutus spp.
Forsythia spp.
Kerria spp.
Sambucus spp
Syringa spp.

The majority of shrubs have a branched or bushy habit

Bushy



Figure 2: SHRUB WITH BUSHY HABIT
(Skimmia japonica 'Nymans')

A bushy shrub is defined as "a plant often without a defined main stem. Lateral shoots often arising from a central point but sometimes also from elsewhere. More sub-lateral shoots produced than a branched plant."

Bushy plants normally cover the pot (when container grown) except where a diameter dimension is shown, when it is less than the pot diameter.

For example:

Aucuba spp.
Buxus spp.
Hypericum spp.
Lavandula spp.
Olearia spp.
Skimmia spp.

Leader and Laterals



Figure 3: SHRUB WITH LEADER AND LATERALS
(Ilex aquifolium)

A shrub with Leader and Laterals is defined as "a plant with a single dominant shoot with significant side shoots."

For example:

Ceanothus spp. (medium and vigorous forms)
Ilex spp. (medium and vigorous forms)
Parrotia spp.
Pyracantha spp.

Several Shoots

A shrub with several shoots is defined as "a plant with a number of shoots arising from ground level."

For example:

Cornus spp. (dwarf species)
Gaultheria spp.
Vaccinium spp. (dwarf species)
Vinca spp.

Single Leader

A shrub with a single leader is defined as "a plant with a single dominant shoot with few, if any, side shoots."

For example:

Aralia spp.