Understory

In forestry and ecology, understory, or understorey, also known as underbrush or undergrowth, includes plant life growing beneath the forest canopy without penetrating it to any great extent, but above the forest floor. Only a small percentage of light penetrates the canopy, so understory vegetation is generally shade-tolerant. The understory typically consists of trees stunted through lack of light, other small trees with low light requirements, saplings, shrubs, vines, and undergrowth.

Small trees such as holly and dogwood are understory specialists.

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

SHADETHRIVE

Gardens for the dark corners — ferns, hostas, and low-light greenery.

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