A plant that typically completes its life cycle in one growing season is known as what?

A plant that typically completes its life cycle in one growing season is referred to as an annual. Annual plants germinate from seeds, grow, flower, produce seeds, and die within a single growing season, typically within a year. This rapid life cycle allows them to take full advantage of favorable environmental conditions, quickly populating an area before the next season. In contrast, biennials require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle, and perennials live for multiple years, regrowing each season from their root systems. Evergreens are not defined by their life cycle but rather by their foliage, as these trees maintain their leaves throughout the year. Understanding these definitions helps to clarify the growth patterns and longevity of various plant types in gardening and agriculture.