Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which of the following describes plants that lose their leaves during the winter?

1. Herbaceous

2. Evergreen

3. Coniferous

4. Deciduous

The correct answer is: Deciduous

Plants that lose their leaves during the winter are best described as deciduous. This term refers to species that shed their leaves in response to seasonal changes, typically in preparation for winter to conserve water and energy. In colder climates, trees and shrubs that are deciduous may enter a dormant state, where they conserve resources and reduce metabolic activity until conditions become favorable again in spring. Herbaceous plants, on the other hand, can be annuals or perennials that may die back to the ground in winter but do not necessarily lose their leaves in the same way deciduous plants do. Evergreen plants retain their foliage year-round, maintaining their leaves through the winter months, which enables them to photosynthesize at different times throughout the year. Coniferous plants, though often evergreen, specifically refer to those that bear cones and have needle-like leaves; they typically do not lose their leaves like deciduous plants do. Understanding the characteristics of these different types of plants can help with landscape planning and maintenance.