Herbaceous: A plant with non-woody stems that die back to the ground at the end of the growing season.
Herbaceous plants have soft, green stems rather than the hard, woody stems of trees and shrubs. This means they typically die back to the ground in the winter and re-emerge from their roots in the spring. Many flowers, vegetables, and herbs are herbaceous plants.
For home gardeners, herbaceous plants offer a wide range of options for adding color, texture, and variety to the garden. They can be annuals, completing their life cycle in one year, or perennials, coming back year after year. Understanding whether a plant is herbaceous helps you know what to expect regarding its growth habits and lifespan. It also helps with planning your garden, as you’ll know which plants will die back in the winter and which will remain as structural elements.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
« Back to Glossary Index