Epicormic

Epicormic describes growth that originates from latent buds located beneath the bark of a tree or shrub. Epicormic shoots arise when these dormant buds break dormancy in response to disturbance that reduces apical dominance, such as heavy pruning, crown thinning, fire, wind damage, or drought. Under normal conditions, the growth from these buds is suppressed by hormones produced by the apical bud; when the apex is damaged or removed, the resulting drop in auxin and the relative increase in cytokinins and other signals promote bud break and shoot elongation.

Epicormic growth commonly appears on trunks and primary limbs, and can also occur on roots in some species. The shoots are typically fast-growing and soft-wated, and while they can aid recovery after damage, they often produce weak wood, may lack desirable form, and can complicate timber quality or aesthetics. Species vary in their propensity for epicormic growth; it is notably observed in some eucalyptus, oaks, maples, pines, and various ornamental trees after pruning or stress.

Management considerations focus on balancing recovery with long-term form and wood quality. After disturbance, managers may monitor and selectively remove epicormic shoots to promote sturdy branching and better light penetration, or, in some horticultural or silvicultural systems, integrate epicormic growth into regeneration strategies such as coppicing. Overall, epicormic growth is a natural adaptive response that reflects the tree’s effort to reestablish photosynthesis and outgrow damaged tissue.