Dwarf

A description of a plant that grows shorter than its normal growth, often 1/4 or less normal size.

Each family of plants has a height recommendation for dwarfness, and varieties bred to grow smaller than their parent plants. Dwarf plants may lose the ability of the parents to set fruit (Bailey's dwarf highbush cranberry, Viburnum trilobum 'Bailey's Compact'). Furthermore, they may not resemble miniatures of their parents (dwarf Alberta spruce, Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica').These plants are in high demand as homes today are built with smaller lots.