Annual Plants Annual plants are plants that complete their entire life cycle — from seed to flowering and seed production — within a single growing season, approximately one year, and then die. Characteristics: Grow quickly and mature within one season. Often cultivated for food or agricultural purposes, such as grains and vegetables. Focus on producing a large number of seeds to ensure the survival of the species. Examples: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, fava beans, tomatoes. Perennial Plants Perennial plants are plants that live for several years, repeating the processes of growth, flowering, and reproduction without dying after a single season. Characteristics: Grow over many years. May require periods of dormancy during harsh conditions (such as winter or drought). Focus on long-term survival and growth, producing seeds continuously each season. Examples: Olive, apple, orange, wild rice, ornamental trees such as cherry and maple.