Dormancy & Seasonal Growth Cycles Annuals Biennials Perennials

Dormancy Period of time when the growth or activity of a plant or seed stops due to changes in temperature or amount of water Dormancy allows various species to survive in particular environments.

Seasonal Growth Cycles Determined by: Where plants live How they reproduce Roles they play in their environment Influences Temperature Amount of water Amount of daylight

Annuals

Annuals Once per year – whole life cycle in one season Needs to be replanted the next year Seeds are the dormant form Examples: Many weeds Vegetables Grains Wild Flowers

Biennials

Biennials Every two years Entire life cycle in two years Examples: Year one – roots, stems, leaves Year two – flowers and seeds Examples: Carrots Foxglove Parsley

Perennials

Perennials Do not die every year or every other year Persist for many growing seasons Herbacious Herbs such as coneflower and basil Woody Deciduous – loose leaves all at once (Autumn) Conifers/Evergreens – loose needles, but not all at once

Dormancy Restated

Perennials - Dormancy Seasonal Changes in Trees to survive the winter. All trees lose their leaves at some point. Stop taking in water so the xylem will not freeze. Trees like pines and holly lose their leaves/needles all through out the year.