What best describes winter annuals?

Winter annuals are plants that germinate from seed in the fall and go through their entire life cycle over the course of a single growing season. They typically emerge in the cooler months, undergo growth during the winter, and then flower and produce seeds in the spring, usually dying before the summer heat sets in. This life cycle allows them to take advantage of the moisture typically available during fall and winter months.

The growth pattern of winter annuals distinguishes them from other types of plants, such as biennials, which require two years to complete their life cycle, or perennials, which live for multiple years and often reproduce through methods like rhizomes or bulbs. Understanding the typical life cycle helps manage these plants effectively, especially since their growth pattern can influence herbicide application timing.