What are herbaceous plants characterized by?

Herbaceous plants are characterized by the absence of woody tissues. This means that their stems remain soft and flexible rather than developing the hard, woody characteristics seen in trees and shrubs. Herbaceous plants typically have green, leafy stems that die back to the ground at the end of the growing season, only to regrow from their roots or seeds the following year.

This characteristic distinguishes them from woody plants, which develop lignin in their tissues, allowing them to grow tall and remain structurally rigid year after year. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the different life forms in plant biology and their respective ecological roles.

While some herbaceous plants may live for several years, referred to as perennials, not all herbaceous plants share the same longevity; hence, it doesn't define them. Additionally, herbaceous plants can produce various reproductive structures, including flowers, fruits, and seeds, but their classification does not depend solely on these functions. Thus, the defining feature of herbaceous plants remains the absence of woody tissues.