Weeds that germinate in the fall, survive over the winter, grow and flower in the spring, and then set seed and die before summer are called:

• A. Winter annuals
• B. Summer annuals
• C. Biennials
• D. Perennials

Answer: (A)

The question tests recognizing weed life-cycle timing in temperate climates. A weed that germinates in the fall, overwinters, grows and flowers in the spring, then sets seed and dies before summer fits the pattern of a winter annual. These plants establish as small forms in fall, survive through winter, then surge in spring, produce seeds, and complete their life cycle before the heat of summer. They differ from summer annuals, which start in spring and finish by fall; from biennials, which require two growing seasons to reproduce; and from perennials, which live for multiple years and can flower in several seasons.