ClimateAugust 18, 2026
understory
UN-der-stor-ee
Definition
The layer of vegetation in a forest or garden that grows beneath the main canopy of taller trees but above the low-lying groundcover.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the English 'under' and 'story,' with 'story' used in its architectural sense to describe a level or floor of a building, reflecting the layered structure of forest vegetation.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe a 'vertical layer' of a healthy ecosystem, where smaller trees and shrubs provide essential nesting cover and food sources for wildlife.
Column | See which native plants will thrive in your garden
Read the full article ↗The Washington Post