thornless

Thornless describes a plant that lacks thorn-like structures on its stems. In botanical terms, thorns are modified stems, spines are derived from leaves or leaf parts, and prickles are outgrowths of the epidermis. A plant described as thornless typically lacks thorns or spines, though some species may retain small prickle-like projections.

Thornless forms arise through selective breeding, natural mutation, or horticultural selection. They are especially common in cultivated roses, where thornless varieties are marketed for easier handling and safer use in gardens and landscapes. Thornless appearances also exist in berry crops such as blackberries and raspberries, where breeders aim to simplify picking and reduce damage to fruit and canopy during cultivation. Some ornamental trees and shrubs may be offered in thornless forms as a gardening preference.

The presence or absence of thorns has practical implications. Thornless plants are easier to propagate, prune, and harvest, making them popular for home gardens, schools, and public landscapes. However, thorns provide a defensive advantage against herbivores, so thornless varieties may experience different pest pressures or increased susceptibility to browsing in certain environments. Breeders sometimes balance thornlessness with other traits such as vigor, fruit quality, and disease resistance.

In summary, thornless plants are those that lack the protective thorns or spines found on many related species, a trait that has been widely developed to support ease of cultivation and safety in human-use contexts.