Which term describes a plant that persists for many growing seasons?

The term that describes a plant that persists for many growing seasons is "perennial." Perennials are plants that live for several years and typically grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back during the autumn and winter, and then return in the spring. This cycle allows them to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions over multiple seasons, making them an essential part of many ecosystems and agricultural practices.

In contrast, annual plants complete their life cycle—from seed germination to flowering and producing seeds—within a single growing season, after which they die. Biennials, on the other hand, require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle; they typically grow foliage in the first year and flower and produce seeds in the second. Deciduous refers to plants that lose their leaves seasonally, which can apply to both annual and perennial plants. Thus, "perennial" specifically highlights the longevity and enduring nature of these plants across many growing seasons, distinguishing them from the other types mentioned.