understory

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then, around 7,000 years ago, the climate began to shift, and within 2,000 years, a forest of towering cedars, firs, hemlock and spruce, and a dense understory of shrubs and ferns — an environment that modern residents would recognize — dominated.

From Seattle Times

Water trickled through the canopy of old-growth trees, then the understory, forest duff, soil and rocks, before hitting the water table.

From Seattle Times

But they acknowledged the stand was beginning to develop some characteristics of mature forest — larger overstory and shade-tolerant understory.

From Seattle Times

Walk into the forest here, past the edge between field and woods where invasive vines now dominate, and you will find a manicured scene: all mature trees and no understory — none of the seedlings, saplings, flowers and shrubs that once covered the forest floor.

From Washington Post

Understory birds — ovenbirds, worm-eating warblers, wood thrushes, Kentucky warblers and others that make their nests on the forest floor — are now being decimated by predators because the deer have eaten the brush that once concealed their nests.

From Washington Post