multistem

Multistem is a plant growth form in which two or more primary stems arise from the base of a single plant, rather than a single trunk. This can occur naturally in clonal plants or be produced by vegetative propagation, coppicing, or pruning that encourages basal shoots. Multistem plants often form dense, rounded canopies and are common among shrubs and small trees.

Common multistem specimens include ornamental shrubs such as lilac (Syringa), dogwood (Cornus), hydrangea, and willow (Salix). In trees, multistem form may be chosen for appearance or space, or observed in young trees without a dominant trunk. Some fruit growers maintain multistem forms to promote early fruiting, depending on cultivar.

Propagation and maintenance: Multistem can arise from root suckers or basal cuttings; it can also be established by coppicing or by training multiple basal shoots. Pruning is used to balance growth, improve light, and prevent crowding. Remove dead or crossing stems and weaker shoots to favor stronger ones.

Advantages and considerations: Multistem plants provide rapid canopy development and redundancy if one stem is damaged, but they require more pruning and can suffer from crowding and disease spread in dense canopies. The choice between multistem and single-trunk forms depends on species, site conditions, and landscape goals.