Growth Form

What is the primary growth form on the landscape in relation to soil stabilization on slopes and streamsides? Each plant species is assigned the single growth form that most enhances its ability to stabilize soil.

• Bunch: Plant development by intravaginal tillering at or near the soil surface without production of rhizomes or stolons.
• Colonizing: A plant that is likely to behave as a colonizer when planted to enhance soil stabilization.
• Multiple Stems: Plant development by producing two or more stems. Examples: roundleaf dogwood (Cornus rugosa) and red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium).
• Rhizomatous: Plant development by the production of rhizomes which give rise to vegetative spread.
• Single Crown: A herbaceous plant that develops one persistent base.
• Single Stem: Plant development by the production of one stem. Examples: corn (Zea mays) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia).
• Stoloniferous: Plant development by the production of stolons which give rise to vegetative spread.
• Thicket Forming: A plant that is likely to develop thickets when planted to stabilize soil.

Source: USDA Plants Database