A diffuse crown is a characteristic of which tree type?

A diffuse crown is a characteristic of which tree type?

• A. Excurrent
• B. Decurrent
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

A diffuse crown reflects broad, spreading branching rather than a tall, narrow silhouette. This kind of crown forms when branching extends outward and downward along the trunk, giving a wide, rounded canopy. That growth pattern is characteristic of decurrent trees, where there isn’t a single dominant central leader keeping the crown narrow. An excurrent crown remains cone-shaped and narrow because strong apical dominance keeps the crown tight. So a diffuse, broad crown fits decurrent growth, making it the best description.

A diffuse crown reflects broad, spreading branching rather than a tall, narrow silhouette. This kind of crown forms when branching extends outward and downward along the trunk, giving a wide, rounded canopy. That growth pattern is characteristic of decurrent trees, where there isn’t a single dominant central leader keeping the crown narrow. An excurrent crown remains cone-shaped and narrow because strong apical dominance keeps the crown tight. So a diffuse, broad crown fits decurrent growth, making it the best description.