Woody plant

A woody plant is one that develops stems that have an internal structure that provides support and rigidity, which lies underneath the cells that serve to transport nutrients and hormones throughout the plant. This structure endures from year to year, becoming thicker and usually taller with each passing growth season.

Woody plants include trees and shrubs, and also some plants that only have persisting aboveground stems in mild climates, dying back to their roots in colder regions. In those colder regions these plants would be considered to be perennials if they survive the winter, and annuals if they don't.