Subshrubby

Subshrubby is a plant growth form describing plants that are intermediate between herbaceous perennials and true shrubs. Subshrubs have perennial woody tissue at their base, allowing them to persist from year to year, while their above-ground shoots are often herbaceous and may die back seasonally. In some species the shoots remain semi-woody and evergreen, but in many temperate climates the above-ground parts die back in winter, with new growth arising from the persistent base.

Sizes vary; typical height ranges from about 0.15 to 1.5 meters, and they may form low tussocks or cushion-like shapes. The woodiness is often restricted to the base, with new shoots arising from the base after dormancy or disturbance; some subshrubs possess a lignotuber or caudex enabling resprouting after fire.

Subshrubs are common in seasonally dry climates and Mediterranean-type habitats, and occur across many plant families, including both evergreen and deciduous taxa. The term is descriptive rather than a formal taxonomic rank; it is used in floras and horticulture to indicate a plant's life form rather than a species-level classification.

They are valued in cultivation for drought tolerance, low maintenance, and suitability for rock gardens and borders; propagation is commonly by cuttings or layering.