Bud

Bud, undeveloped or embryonic shoot of a plant. Buds contain the undeveloped leaves, stems, or flowers, and according to the mature structure into which they develop, are classified as either vegetative or flower buds. A bud growing at the end of a twig or shoot is called a terminal bud, and a bud that grows along the stem is known as a lateral bud. Although most lateral buds occur in the axils of leaves, they can appear elsewhere; they are then called adventitious.

Buds, particularly those of woody plants, are often protected by modified leaves called bud scales. As the bud develops, these scales usually drop off, leaving scars. Not all buds develop, and those that do not are known as dormant buds. Occasionally a bud that has been dormant for years becomes active. This activity accounts for the small branches sometimes seen growing near the bases of large tree trunks. The edible “head” of the ordinary cabbage is one of the largest known terminal buds.