Whats the difference between a perennial and an herbaceous perennial plant?
The herbaceous perennials typically die back to the ground each year. The portions underground stay alive, ready for the next growing season. A woody perennial has living portions that stay exposed above ground throughout the dormant season. Even if the leaves turn brown and fall off, we know that the twigs and branches are still alive because the leaves regrow when the growing season returns. This growth habit is maintained even outside of the ‘native’ habitat. Consider tulips or peonies as examples. Growing instructions usually say to clean out spent leaves before the new growth emerges. This not only keeps the garden looking good but can also reduce disease. The diseases evolved to take advantage of the ‘natural’ habitat of piled up dead stems and leaves. It is good that you have further questions to these answers. Herbaceous is more of a ‘description’ of this growth habit than the ‘definition’ of any plant family. A description is fuzzier than a definition. You are smart to ask for
