subshrub n : low-growing woody shrub or perennial with woody base [syn: suffrutex]

A subshrub (Latin suffrutex) is a horticultural rather than strictly botanical category of woody perennial plant. It is distinguished from a shrub by its ground-hugging stems and lower height, with overwintering perennial woody growth typically less than 10–20 cm tall, or by being only weakly woody and/or only persisting for a few years. Small, low shrubs such as lavender, periwinkle, and thyme, and many members of the family Ericaceae, such as cranberries, are often classed as subshrubs.