Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

A plant that returns from its rootstock each year after dying is classified as what type?

1. Herbaceous perennial

2. Perennial

3. Annual

4. Biennial

The correct answer is: Herbaceous perennial

A plant that returns from its rootstock each year after dying is classified as an herbaceous perennial. This type of plant typically has a life cycle that lasts for more than two years, and during the cold months or unfavorable conditions, it may die back to the ground. However, the root system remains alive and can produce new growth when conditions improve. Herbaceous perennials are distinguished from other categories because they do not develop woody stems; instead, their above-ground growth is soft and green. This characteristic allows them to die back and regenerate, relying on their rootstock to survive harsh seasons. The ability to regenerate from the rootstock is what defines them specifically as herbaceous perennials, setting them apart from true annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season and do not return, or biennials, which have a two-year life cycle but do not typically die back each year to the roots. Understanding these classifications helps in horticulture and landscape design, as it informs decisions about planting and maintaining various types of plants within a garden or landscape project.