What is a plant that germinates in the spring and dies in the fall of the same year termed as?

A plant that germinates in the spring and dies in the fall of the same year is referred to as a summer annual. This classification highlights the life cycle of these plants, which complete their growth from seed to maturity, including flowering and seed production, within a single growing season that typically spans from spring to early fall. This term is most commonly applied to those plants that grow during the warmer months, capitalizing on favorable conditions for quick growth and reproduction.

In contrast, biennial plants take two years to complete their life cycle, producing vegetative growth in the first year and flowering in the second. Winter annuals, on the other hand, germinate in the fall, establish themselves during the winter, and die in the spring. Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, returning year after year. Understanding these classifications helps in managing and selecting plants for agricultural and horticultural purposes effectively.