What characterizes perennial plants?

Perennial plants are characterized by their ability to survive for more than two years, often returning year after year. This longevity allows them to establish extensive root systems, enabling them to take advantage of available nutrients and water over multiple seasons. Perennials typically go through cycles of growth and dormancy, flourishing during growing seasons and entering a dormant phase during unfavorable conditions.

This characteristic sets them apart from annuals, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, and biennials, which require two seasons to mature. While some perennials may require specific cultivational practices, they are fundamentally distinct in their life cycle and longevity. Thus, the defining feature of perennials is their persistence over several years, which is essential for ecosystems and agricultural practices alike.