thicket

Thicket is a dense cluster of shrubs or small trees, typically forming a tangled mass of branches that can be difficult to penetrate. Thickets develop where woody plants regenerate aggressively after disturbance or where growth conditions favor rapid shrub establishment. They are characterized by multi-stemmed individuals, close spacing, and a closed understory that limits light penetration.

Thickets occur worldwide in a variety of climates, from temperate scrublands to tropical brushlands. The species involved are often shrubs or young trees with thorny or stout branches, and they may grow to several meters in height. The structure provides little open ground and a complex three-dimensional habitat.

Ecologically, thickets offer shelter and nesting sites for birds, small mammals, and insects, and can serve as forage or refuge during adverse weather. They can act as windbreaks, reduce erosion, and connect larger habitat patches, but may impede movement of larger animals and complicate land management. In agricultural settings, thickets can protect crops or, conversely, hinder access and harvest, depending on placement and density.

Management of thickets ranges from preservation as wildlife habitat to removal when they conflict with agriculture, grazing, or development. Practices include selective thinning, coppicing, controlled burning, mechanical clearing, or herbicide treatment, often aiming to balance habitat value with land-use needs.