Cryptic crossword clue
Oldest trees divided, bushes primarily retained 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word FIRSTBORN

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
I
R
S
T
B
O
R
N

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Oldest" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case oldest = firstborn.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does FIRSTBORN mean?

FIRSTBORN noun
  1. The first child to be born to a parent or family.
FIRSTBORN adjective
  1. Born as the first one in a family, flock or the like.
  2. Most excellent; most distinguished or exalted.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations