Significance

• Suckering is a method of asexual reproduction. It relies on the shrub's ability to regenerate its own tissue, rather than the interaction of the male and female parts of the plant. Suckering allows you to create offspring plants that are almost identical to the parent plant.
  
  

Effects

• Reproduction through suckering can cause certain shrubs to form dense stands. For example, the northern bayberry is known to form colonies of plants by sending out shoots.
  
  

Benefits

• You can take advantage of a shrub's suckering if you see a plant that you want to propagate. Dig up its roots, select a shoot and create a division by cutting it off. Make sure some healthy roots are still attached to the plant, and then plant the shoot and roots.