Bushes | Shrubs

Shrubs, also described interchangeably as bushes, are small to medium-sized plants with woody above ground stems. With multiple stems and heights that are shorter than trees, shrubs are distinguished from bushes by being cultivated and shaped in garden settings (bushes are often understood as occurring in the wild) and more upright foliage (bushes have foliage that droop closer to the ground).

What are shrubs?

Shrubs are small to medium-sized plants that are smaller than trees and are characterized by their woody stems that occur above ground.

What is the difference between a shrub and a bush?

While there is no defined horticultural difference between the usage of the term shrub or bush, shrubs are generally understood to be plants that are cultivate and shaped in garden settings and typically have vertical foliage that doesn’t encroach the ground.

What is an example of a popular shrub?

Hydrangeas and Lilacs are both very popular flowering shrubs that are iconic additions to any garden.

* Under Development *

Related Collections
Shrubs Guides
Browse through our curated Shrubs Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Shrubs. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
12’-20’ | 3.7-6.1 m
15.75’-19.4’ | 4.8-5.9 m (Spread)
23.6”-31.5” | 60-80 cm (Trunk)
10’-12’ | 3-3.7 m (Leaf)
Bottle Palm
610.000
590.000
80.000
370.000
20800
GUIDE
3D
Bottle Palm
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
6.9’-12.8’ | 2.1-3.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-31.5” | 30-80 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Burrawang
200.000
390.000
80.000
200.000
700
GUIDE
3D
Burrawang
5.9’-7.9’ | 1.8-2.4 m
4.3’-10.8’ | 1.3-3.3 m (Diameter)
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm (Trunk)
27.5”-71” | 70-180 cm (Leaf)
Chestnut Dioon
240.000
330.000
30.000
180.000
9800
GUIDE
3D
Chestnut Dioon
6.6’-9.8’ | 2-3 m
3.8’-7.5’ | 1.15-2.3 m (Diameter)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
27.5”-59” | 70-150 cm (Leaf)
Dukou Cycad
300.000
230.000
40.000
150.000
1700
GUIDE
3D
Dukou Cycad
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
10.8’-16’ | 3.3-4.9 m (Diameter)
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Trunk)
6’-9’ | 183-274 cm (Leaf)
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
700.000
490.000
40.000
274.000
500
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
8’-13.1’ | 2.4-4 m
11.5’-15.75’ | 3.5-4.8 m (Spread)
7.9”-9.8” | 20-25 cm (Trunk)
18”-24” | .45-.61 m (Leaf)
European Fan Palm
400.000
480.000
25.000
61.000
5200
GUIDE
3D
European Fan Palm
3.9’-11.8’ | 1.2-3.6 m
9.8’-15.6’ | 3-4.75 m (Diameter)
12”-16” | 30.5-41 cm (Trunk)
59”-83” | 150-210 cm (Leaf)
Giant Dioon
360.000
475.000
41.000
210.000
1700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Dioon
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m
3.6’-11.5’ | 1.1-3.5 m (Diameter)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
20”-59” | 50-150 cm (Leaf)
King Sago
200.000
350.000
30.000
150.000
73000
GUIDE
3D
King Sago
3’-5.9’ | .9-1.8 m
3.9’-7.9’ | 1.2-2.4 m (Spread)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
15”-20” | .38-.51 m (Leaf)
Needle Palm
180.000
240.000
40.000
51.000
5100
GUIDE
3D
Needle Palm
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
9.8’-19’ | 3-5.8 m (Diameter)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Trunk)
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Pineapple Cycad
700.000
580.000
91.000
300.000
600
GUIDE
3D
Pineapple Cycad
5.9’-9.8’ | 1.8-3 m
5.9’-7.9’ | 1.8-2.4 m (Spread)
3”-6” | 7.6-15.2 cm (Trunk)
2’-3.9’ | .6-1.2 m (Leaf)
Pygmy Date Palm
300.000
240.000
15.200
120.000
44000
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Date Palm
3.6’-7.2’ | 1.1-2.2 m
3’-5.9’ | .9-1.8 m (Diameter)
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Teosinte
220.000
180.000
30.000
200.000
500
GUIDE
3D
Teosinte
1.6’-9.8’ | .5-3 m
5.25’-9.2’ | 1.6-2.8 m (Diameter)
9.8”-17.7” | 25-45 cm (Trunk)
47”-87” | 120-220 cm (Leaf)
Zamia Palm
300.000
280.000
45.000
220.000
350
GUIDE
3D
Zamia Palm
3.3’-5.9’ | 1-1.8 m
4.6’-9.5’ | 1.4-2.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Zululand Cycad
180.000
290.000
35.000
200.000
1200
GUIDE
3D
Zululand Cycad
Zululand Cycad (Encephalartos ferox)
Comparison drawing of the Zululand Cycad compared to similar Cycad species and a person

The Zululand Cycad (Encephalartos ferox) is a commonly cultivated cycad native to the southeast coast of Africa, where its stem is used as food. This is in woodland grassland or forest margins where there is plenty of shade. It is small and has a subterranean trunk. The green leaves are long, hard-textured, and have spine-tipped lobes. This is among the fastest-growing cycads around and propagates by suckers or seeds. Both male and female trees produce cones that are red. Female cones are ovoid and attached to the base of the plant, while male cones are cylindrical and attached to the stem of the plant.

Zululand Cycads have an overall height between 3.3’-5.9’ (1-1.8 m) and diameter of 4.6’-9.5’ (1.4-2.9 m). The trunk of the Zululand Cycad has a diameter of 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm) with leaf lengths between 39”-79” (100-200 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Zululand Cycad in front and top views with height and width dimensions
The Zululand Cycad (Encephalartos ferox) is a commonly cultivated cycad native to the southeast coast of Africa, where its stem is used as food. This is in woodland grassland or forest margins where there is plenty of shade. It is small and has a subterranean trunk.

Zululand Cycads have an overall height between 3.3’-5.9’ (1-1.8 m) and diameter of 4.6’-9.5’ (1.4-2.9 m). The trunk of the Zululand Cycad has a diameter of 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm) with leaf lengths between 39”-79” (100-200 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Zululand Cycad in front and top views with height and width dimensions
Zululand Cycad (Encephalartos ferox)
Height:
3.3’-5.9’ | 1-1.8 m
Width:
4.6’-9.5’ | 1.4-2.9 m (Diameter)
Length:
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Encephalartos ferox

Drawings include:

Zululand Cycad front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Blue Fescue
Size comparison of a Blue Fescue plant to an average person

Blue Fescue, also known as blue mountain grass, is a dome-shaped flowering ornamental grass that is known for its blue-gray foliage. Finely textured in individual clumps, Blue Fescue is a drought tolerant shrub, though it prefers regularly watering, that blooms in late-spring and early-summer with pale yellow flowers. Because they are often understated, Blue Fescue plantings are easy to care for and pair well with larger and more dramatic plants.

Finely textured in individual clumps, Blue Fescue shrubs reach heights of 8”-12” (20-30.5 cm) and spread between 6”-9” (15-23 cm).

Collection of elevation drawings of Blue Fescue plants with varying heights
Blue Fescue, also known as blue mountain grass, is a dome-shaped flowering ornamental grass that is known for its blue-gray foliage.

Finely textured in individual clumps, Blue Fescue shrubs reach heights of 8”-12” (20-30.5 cm) and spread between 6”-9” (15-23 cm).

Collection of elevation drawings of Blue Fescue plants with varying heights
Blue Fescue
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Height: 8”-12” | 20-30.5 cm
Width: 6”-9” | 15-23 cm
Bloom: Early summer
Flower: Greenish to yellow
Care: Water weekly; well drained; dry to medium soil; full sun
Scientific name: Festuca glauca

Scientific Name

Drawings include:
Blue Fescue Plant elevation (multiple)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Dukou Cycad (Cycas panzhihuaensis)
Comparison drawing of the Dukou Cycad compared to similar Cycad species and a person

In the wild, the Dukou Cycad (Cycas panzhihuaensis) is found in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan. The seeds are small, and the trunk is unbranched–this separates it from the common sago. It grows well among thickets or grassy places on limestone or sand shale soils with little tree cover. This is in areas with either cold winters or warm, humid summers. Hence, highly tolerant of dry periods and frosts. The dukou cycad is a slow-growing, palm-like evergreen tree with erect stems and a top or crown covered in many large, spreading leaves. It is highly cherished for food and medicinal purposes.

Dukou Cycads have an overall height between 6.6’-9.8’ (2-3 m) and diameter of 3.8’-7.5’ (1.15-2.3 m). The trunk of the Dukou Cycad has a diameter of 9.8”-15.75” (25-40 cm) with leaf lengths between 27.5”-59” (70-150 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Dukou Cycad in front and top views with dimensions for height and width
In the wild, the Dukou Cycad (Cycas panzhihuaensis) is found in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan. The seeds are small, and the trunk is unbranched–this separates it from the common sago. It grows well among thickets or grassy places on limestone or sand shale soils with little tree cover.

Dukou Cycads have an overall height between 6.6’-9.8’ (2-3 m) and diameter of 3.8’-7.5’ (1.15-2.3 m). The trunk of the Dukou Cycad has a diameter of 9.8”-15.75” (25-40 cm) with leaf lengths between 27.5”-59” (70-150 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Dukou Cycad in front and top views with dimensions for height and width
Dukou Cycad (Cycas panzhihuaensis)
Height:
6.6’-9.8’ | 2-3 m
Width:
3.8’-7.5’ | 1.15-2.3 m (Diameter)
Length:
27.5”-59” | 70-150 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Cycas panzhihuaensis

Drawings include:

Dukou Cycad front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana)
Scale illustration of an average Pineapple Cycad compared to other species of Cycads and a human

Pineapple Cycads (Lepidozamia peroffskyana) are found in eastern Australia in wet forests, forest margins, and coastal forests. It gets its name from the Russian nobleman and benefactor, Count Peroffsky. This tall, palm-like cycad is a favorite ornamental plant because it is slow-growing, easy to maintain, and long-lived. It has large arching dark green glossy leaves fountaining from the top on maturity and both male and female trees produce cones. Female cones are barrel-shaped and gray-green, while male cones are cylindrical and curved. These produce large and numerous seeds that are toxic. It can grow in places with lots of sunlight or some shade.

Pineapple Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 9.8’-19’ (3-5.8 m). The trunk of the Pineapple Cycad has a diameter of 24”-36” (61-91 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Pineapple Cycad seen from the top and elevation views
Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana) is found in eastern Australia in wet forests, forest margins, and coastal forests. It gets its name from the Russian nobleman and benefactor, Count Peroffsky. This tall, palm-like cycad is a favorite ornamental plant because it is slow-growing and easy.

Pineapple Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 9.8’-19’ (3-5.8 m). The trunk of the Pineapple Cycad has a diameter of 24”-36” (61-91 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Pineapple Cycad seen from the top and elevation views
Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana)
Height:
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
Width:
9.8’-19’ | 3-5.8 m (Diameter)
Length:
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Lepidozamia peroffskyana

Drawings include:

Pineapple Cycad front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

King Sago (Cycas revoluta)
Comparison drawing of the King Sago compared to similar Cycad species and a person

King Sago (Cycas revoluta) or Japanese sago or sago palm is found on the island of Kyushu and Ryukyu in Japan and also in southern China. This is on hillsides in tropical and subtropical climates. It is loved as a houseplant or for landscaping because of its ease of maintenance. One important feature of this evergreen plant is that it is long-lived, with palm-like leaves growing from the trunk. Besides, the leaves have spiny tips. King sago produces cones like those of pines, but no flowers. It grows well under limited shade or places with less sunlight. As a result, it is intolerant to cold and over-watered soils.

This thick shaggy trunk is where the dark green leaves grow and also support the crown. The plant has a slow growth rate, stout, and it favors warm temperate and subtropical climates, well-drained sandy soil, under partial or full sunlight. It may be drought tolerant. The plant is dioecious and toxic, but the pitch has edible starch that can be extracted to make sago.

King Sagos have an overall height between 3.3’-6.6’ (1-2 m) and diameter of 3.6’-11.5’ (1.1-3.5 m). The trunk of the King Sago has a diameter of 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm) with leaf lengths between 20”-59” (50-150 cm).

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the King Sago in front and top views
King Sago (Cycas revoluta) or Japanese sago or sago palm is found on the island of Kyushu and Ryukyu in Japan and also in southern China. This is on hillsides in tropical and subtropical climates. It is loved as a houseplant or for landscaping because of its ease of maintenance.

King Sagos have an overall height between 3.3’-6.6’ (1-2 m) and diameter of 3.6’-11.5’ (1.1-3.5 m). The trunk of the King Sago has a diameter of 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm) with leaf lengths between 20”-59” (50-150 cm).

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the King Sago in front and top views
King Sago (Cycas revoluta)
Height:
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m
Width:
3.6’-11.5’ | 1.1-3.5 m (Diameter)
Length:
20”-59” | 50-150 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Cycas revoluta

Drawings include:

King Sago front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Related Plants Collections
Plants