Shrub pruned more sheltered (5)

I believe the answer is:

osier

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'shrub' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for osier that I've seen before include "Willow for making baskets" , "Withy" , "Kind of twig used in basketwork" , "Basket maker" , "branch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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