Terminal bud
/ˈtɝmənəl bʌd/
Definition
Terminal bud refers to the bud at the very tip of a stem or shoot. It contains the shoot apical meristem, a region of actively dividing cells that produces new stem, leaf, and sometimes flower growth. Because it sits at the end of the shoot, it differs from lateral buds, which form along the sides at leaf nodes. In many plants, it also influences branching by suppressing nearby lateral buds.
Function in Plants
- Control of shoot length: The terminal bud drives extension growth of a stem or branch, so its activity strongly influences plant height and the spacing between leaves, called internodes.
- Apical dominance effect: Hormones produced near the terminal bud help suppress many side buds below it. When that control is reduced, lateral shoots often grow more freely and the plant becomes bushier.
- Seasonal protection: In many trees and shrubs, the terminal bud is enclosed by protective scales during dormancy. This helps shield delicate growing tissue from cold, drying, and mechanical injury.
- Value in pruning and training: Removing the terminal bud can redirect growth into side branches, which is why pinching changes plant shape. Gardeners use this response to encourage fuller growth or limit upward extension.
Related Terms
Node
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Internode
Internode refers to the section of a plant stem between two nodes, the points where leaves, buds, or branches attach…
Leaf axil
Leaf axil refers to the upper angle formed where a leaf stalk or leaf base joins the stem. It is a plant structure and…
Stem
Stem refers to the main aboveground plant structure that supports leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits, and connects them…
Pinching
Pinching is a pruning technique that removes the soft growing tip of a stem, usually with fingers or small snips…