Subshrub
/SUB-shrub/🌳 Plant Types●● Intermediate
Also known as: semi-shrub, dwarf shrub, suffrutex
A low-growing perennial plant with woody stems at the base and herbaceous growth above that may die back to the woody portion each winter. Subshrubs occupy an intermediate position between true shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Many Mediterranean herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary are technically subshrubs. They are often pruned back to the woody base in spring to promote fresh, compact growth.
Etymology
Latin sub (under, below) + Old English scrybb (shrubbery)
Example
“Lavandula angustifolia is a subshrub that becomes leggy if not pruned back to its woody base each spring.”