What is a common characteristic of fastigiate plants?

Fastigiate plants are characterized by their narrow, upright growth form. This growth habit typically features branches that grow straight up rather than spreading outward, which allows these plants to maintain a compact and columnar shape. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in landscape design, where such plants can serve as vertical elements in gardens or as space-saving features along pathways or in urban settings. Their verticality can create dramatic visual lines and enhance the structural quality of a landscape.

The horizontal spreading typical of some plants is not a feature of fastigiate types, as their growth is more focused on reaching upward. Extensive root systems may be found in many plant types but are not a defining characteristic of fastigiate plants, since these plants can vary widely in root architecture depending on species and environmental conditions. Similarly, fastigiate plants do not typically grow wider at the base; instead, their form is more consistent in width from top to bottom, contributing to their distinctive appearance.