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A herbaceous perennial is a plant that lives for multiple years, but whose top growth dies back to the ground annually. The plant's crown, roots, bulbs, or rhizomes survive the winter and produce new growth each spring. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season, or biennials, which live for two years, herbaceous perennials persist for several years.1234

These plants are important in horticulture and gardening, providing structure and color to landscapes. Common examples include delphiniums, lupines, chrysanthemums, and poppies. In agriculture, many perennial crops, such as apples, blueberries, and grapes, are harvested for multiple years.24

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