Twigs

Twigs are the small, slender, woody shoots that grow from the branches of trees and shrubs. They typically bear buds and may carry leaves, flowers, or fruit during the growing season. As the plant develops, twigs connect the main branches to growing shoots and often change in color and texture with age. In many species, twigs are green and flexible when young and turn brown and hard over time.

Anatomically, a twig contains the vascular tissues that conduct water and nutrients, a protective outer layer, and often lenticels for gas exchange. They have nodes from which leaves or buds emerge and internodes between those nodes. Terminal buds form at the tips, while lateral buds can appear along the sides. Twigs are distinguished from thicker branches by their smaller diameter and growth stage; they represent the more distal, younger portions of a branch.

Ecologically, twigs contribute to a plant’s light interception and reproduction by supporting leaves and reproductive structures. They provide habitat and food for insects and birds and, when shed, contribute to litter and soil organic matter, aiding nutrient cycling. Twigs have practical uses for humans as tinder, crafting material, or as a source of garden stakes and rustic fencing. They can also be used in propagation, as many shrubs and trees root readily from twig cuttings under appropriate conditions.

In dendrochronology and plant science, twigs are studied to understand growth patterns, climate responses, and seasonal development. Identification of twigs—through bud arrangement, leaf scars, and texture—helps in plant and forest surveys.