ev·er·green / ˈevərˌgrēn/ • adj. of or denoting a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year: the glossy laurel is hardy and evergreen evergreen shrubs.Often contrasted with deciduous.• n. a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year: evergreens planted to cut off the east wind.

evergreen Plant that retains its green foliage for a year or more, unlike deciduous plants. Evergreens are divided into two groups: narrow-leaved, or conifers, and broad-leaved. Conifers include fir, spruce, pine and juniper. Among the broad-leaved evergreens are holly and rhododendron. Not all conifers are evergreens; exceptions include the larch (Larix).

evergreen (Describing) a plant that bears leaves throughout the year, each leaf being shed independently of the others after two or three years. The leaves of evergreens are often reduced or adapted in some way to prevent excessive water loss; examples are the needles of conifers and the leathery waxy leaves of holly. Compare deciduous.

evergreen Applied to a tree or shrub that has persistent leaves, and whose crown is never wholly bare.

evergreen Applied to a tree or shrub that has persistent leaves, and whose crown is never wholly bare.