Which of the following best describes herbaceous perennials?

• A. They survive winters as above-ground stems
• B. They die back to the ground each winter and regrow from the crown
• C. They are evergreen shrubs
• D. They require annual replanting

Answer: (B)

Herbaceous perennials have non-woody stems that die back to the ground each winter, with new growth emerging from the crown in spring. This lifecycle—above-ground parts dying back and the plant regrowing from the crown—is the defining feature of herbaceous perennials. It distinguishes them from woody plants or evergreen shrubs that keep above-ground stems year-round, and from annuals that must be replanted each year. Therefore, the description that they die back to the ground and regrow from the crown best describes herbaceous perennials.