Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

Herbaceous plants are classified by the way in which they complete their life cycle. What are the classifications?

1. Soft-wood, semi-hardwood and hardwood

2. Summer annuals and winter annuals

3. Annual, biennials and perennials

4. Deciduous and evergreen

The correct answer is: Annual, biennials and perennials

Herbaceous plants are classified into three main categories based on their life cycle duration: annuals, biennials, and perennials. Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, from germination to flowering and seed production, after which they die. This classification refers to plants that need to be replanted each year. Biennials have a two-year life cycle, typically germinating and growing in the first year and flowering and producing seeds in the second year. Perennials live for three years or more, and they can return year after year, often going dormant in the winter and regrowing in the spring. Understanding these classifications is crucial for horticulturists because it aids in planning and managing plantings effectively, ensuring that options for aesthetic appeal, seasonal interest, and landscape design are available through the appropriate selection of herbaceous plants.