What is considered an annual plant?

An annual plant is defined as a plant that completes its entire life cycle within one growing season, typically in one year or less. This means that it germinates from seed, grows, flowers, produces seeds, and then dies all within the span of a single year. This rapid lifecycle allows annual plants to take advantage of the growing conditions during the warmer months, leading to quick growth and reproduction.

In contrast to perennial plants, which can live for multiple years and grow back season after season, annuals must rely on seed production to propagate their species. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper planting, gardening, and ecological management, as annual plants often play a vital role in ecosystems and agriculture. The other options reflect different characteristics or lifecycles that do not fit the definition of an annual plant.