Definitions for "Plant Succession"
The natural and gradual replacement of one plant community by another. The process may begin on solid rock, soil or in water. The end result is generally a forest of tolerant (able to grow in shade) trees. The stages in between may include moss, annual weeds, grasses, brush, intolerant trees (needing full sunlight), mid-tolerant trees and tolerant trees. The stages vary depending on the site and the process may take centuries to complete.
(See ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION).
a predictable series of vegetative changes caused by each successive type of plant producing shade and moisture conditions which are less favorable to the preceding type. The final (climax)stage produces conditions in a permanent, stable community.