Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which type of plant typically requires a dormant period to thrive?

1. Annual

2. Bermudagrass

3. Perennial

4. Ornamental grass

The correct answer is: Perennial

Perennial plants are characterized by their ability to live for multiple growing seasons, which often includes a dormant period. During this dormant phase, which typically occurs in the winter, perennials conserve energy and resources, preparing for the next growth cycle. This dormancy is crucial for the health of the plant, as it helps to mitigate the effects of cold temperatures and other environmental stressors. In contrast, annual plants complete their life cycle within a single growing season and do not require a dormant period, as they germinate, flower, produce seeds, and die all in one year. Bermudagrass, while a valuable grass for lawns and sports fields, also operates with a growth cycle that can become dormant during cooler seasons but is not classified as a perennial in the broader context of perennial plants. Ornamental grasses may exhibit some dormancy but are not necessarily reliant on it in the same way as true perennials. Thus, perennials are distinct in their need for a dormant phase to successfully thrive over multiple years.