Makes effort to uproot large plant receiving variable shade at first (6)
I believe the answer is:
exerts
'makes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with ownership as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for exerts that I've seen before include "Brings into use, say strength" , "Brings into use or to bear" , "Brings something to bear forcefully" , "Makes strenuous effort" , "Forcefully applies (pressure)" .)