Which statement describes softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood cuttings correctly?

• A. Softwood from new growth; semi-hardwood from partially matured wood; hardwood from mature, dormant wood.
• B. Softwood from mature wood; semi-hardwood from new growth; hardwood from seeds.
• C. Softwood from leaves; semi-hardwood from roots; hardwood from stems.
• D. Softwood from seeds; semi-hardwood from cuttings; hardwood from grafts.

Answer: (A)

Understanding how cuttings are categorized by the age of the wood and the season helps explain rooting behavior. Softwood cuttings come from new, fresh growth that is still soft and flexible. Because this material is juvenile, it tends to root readily and quickly, but it is also more delicate and often needs high humidity and careful care. Semi-hardwood cuttings come from partially matured wood—wood that has started to harden but isn’t fully mature yet—typically taken later in the season. They root more slowly than softwood but are generally sturdier and can withstand outdoor conditions better. Hardwood cuttings use mature, dormant wood, usually collected in late autumn or winter. These take longer to root and are more robust in storage and handling, but their rooting response is slower due to the fully mature tissues.

So, describing softwood as from new growth, semi-hardwood as from partially matured wood, and hardwood as from mature, dormant wood matches the standard terminology and practical behavior of these cutting types. The other ways of labeling—softwood from mature wood, semi-hardwood from new growth, or hardwood from seeds (which aren’t cuttings at all)—don’t align with how these materials actually behave or how they’re sourced.