Biennials are plants that:

Biennials are plants that:

• A. Complete life cycle in 2 years
• B. Live only one year
• C. Reproduce in year 1
• D. Are evergreen.

Answer: (A)

Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons. In the first year they grow vegetatively, often forming a base of leaves to store energy. In the second year they produce flowers and seeds, then the plant typically dies. This two-year pattern distinguishes them from annuals, which finish in one year, and from perennials, which live for many years and can flower multiple times. Evergreen refers to leaves staying green year-round, not the plant’s lifespan pattern, so it isn’t a defining trait of biennials. A classic example is foxglove, which forms a leafy base in year one and flowers in year two. Therefore, completing the life cycle in two years is the best description.

Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons. In the first year they grow vegetatively, often forming a base of leaves to store energy. In the second year they produce flowers and seeds, then the plant typically dies. This two-year pattern distinguishes them from annuals, which finish in one year, and from perennials, which live for many years and can flower multiple times. Evergreen refers to leaves staying green year-round, not the plant’s lifespan pattern, so it isn’t a defining trait of biennials. A classic example is foxglove, which forms a leafy base in year one and flowers in year two. Therefore, completing the life cycle in two years is the best description.