Shade Tolerance

The capacity of a plant species to grow and reproduce under reduced light levels, typically beneath a forest canopy or in the shadow of buildings. Shade-tolerant plants have adaptations such as larger, thinner leaves with more chlorophyll, lower light compensation points, and slower growth rates. In forestry, shade tolerance determines which species dominate in late-successional forests. In horticulture, understanding shade tolerance guides plant selection for shaded gardens.