On woody plants, new stems that emerge from the roots. These can occur next to existing stems or many feet distant, depending on the species and how far the roots spread.
Suckers that sprout near the base of a tree or shrub are usually happening because the tree is attempting to expand and grow wider, thicker, OR it has had a root seriously cut and will be confused into believing it needs to grow an offspring at that very spot of the wound. Suckers also sap the energy of the parent plant/tree/shrub, so most Arborists claim the suckers should be kept cut or pulled off before they become actual branches UNLESS the owner WANTS more branches. Crepe Myrtles are notorious for having suckers and trying to become what they do naturally: to be a BUSH. To train it to become a tree, eliminate all the undesired branches and patiently wait for the remaining branches to mature over the years. The blooms are always bigger and stronger with fewer suckers/branches involved with any bush/tree that blooms. However, with non-blooming ones the branches and leaves are always thicker and stronger with fewer contending for the roots' nutrients to share among so many "suckers" sucking it until it is almost exhausted, as is the owner keeping up with the extra care. Those who prefer the standards, topiaries, and espalier trees and shrubs will carefully clip not only each unwanted branch but also ALL suckers other than the MAIN trunk from which all shapes and forms feed and originate.
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