a woody perennial plant, typically large and with a well-defined stem or stems carrying a more or less definite crown —note sometimes defined as attaining a minimum diameter of 5 in (12.7 cm) and a minimum height of 15 ft (4.6 m) at maturity, with no branches within 3 ft (1 m) of the ground —see branch, shrub, stem This definition last updated 10/10/2008