What Is a Bud Scale?
A bud scale is a structure found on some plants which protects buds while they are in dormancy or while they are forming. Plants which form buds without scales are said to have “naked” buds, reflecting the fact that the buds are not protected. When buds break dormancy or open up, the bud scales drop away or enlarge and droop to the side, allowing the bud to emerge fully. Bud scales which drop leave behind distinctive markings known as bud scars.
