Pronunciation: [sˈʌbʃɹʌb] (IPA) 
The word subshrub is spelled with a "b" in the middle, despite the fact that it sounds like there should be a "p" instead. This is because the word is a combination of the prefix "sub-" meaning below or beneath, and the word "shrub". The sound of the "b" is preserved in the spelling to represent the original root word. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈsʌbˌʃrʌb/, with emphasis on the first syllable "sub".
A subshrub is a plant that possesses characteristics of both a shrub and an herbaceous plant. Typically, it is a small plant that forms woody stems at the base while having softer, herbaceous upper growth. The term "sub" means "less than" or "partially," indicating that the plant is somewhat shrub-like, but not fully matured into a shrub.
Subshrubs are intermediate in growth habit between perennial herbs and fully woody shrubs. They often have short stature, ranging from a few inches to a couple of feet in height, and usually lack the rigid and upright structure of a shrub. The base of a subshrub is generally woody and thicker than its leafy stems, allowing it to persist and regrow over multiple growing seasons.
The soft, non-woody stems of subshrubs may be herbaceous, green, or semi-woody. They may die back to the ground during harsh winters but quickly resprout from the woody base in the following growing season. Subshrubs often exhibit extensive branching and may produce flowers and fruits.
Common examples of subshrubs include lavender, rosemary, salvias, and artemisias. These plants are favored for their ability to add texture and structure to gardens and landscapes while also providing attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. Due to their mixed characteristics, subshrubs are highly versatile and can be grown in various garden settings, such as rockeries, borders, or containers.
The word "subshrub" is derived from the combination of two root words: "sub-" and "shrub".
"Sub-" is a common prefix in English that comes from the Latin word "sub", meaning "under" or "below". In words, it often indicates the meaning of "lesser in degree" or "lower in status or rank".
"Shrub" is an English word that originated from the Old English word "syrfe" or "scrybb", which referred to a shrubbery or a small woody plant. The word "shrub" is used to describe a small to medium-sized perennial plant or bush that has multiple stems and lacks a single trunk.
Combining these two root words, "subshrub" refers to a type of plant that is smaller or shorter than a typical shrub or exhibits some characteristics of a herbaceous plant rather than a purely woody plant.
