Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, typically returning each spring from their root systems. They can be herbaceous or woody, and examples include roses, trees, and many perennial flowers. The key characteristic of perennials is their ability to survive through seasons, often going dormant during the winter months and then re-emerging in the growing season.
On the other hand, annual plants complete their life cycle within a single growing season. They germinate from seed, grow, flower, produce seeds, and then die within a year. Examples of annuals include sunflowers, marigolds, and most vegetables like tomatoes and corn. Annuals tend to grow quickly and provide vibrant blooms or crops but need to be replanted every year.
In summary, the main difference lies in their life cycle: perennials live for multiple years and can survive through adverse conditions, while annuals live for one season and must be replanted each year.