What is the typical life cycle of henbit?

Henbit is classified as a winter annual, meaning it germinates in the fall, overwinters as a seedling, and then resumes growth in the spring. It typically flowers and produces seeds before dying off in late spring or early summer. Its life cycle reflects this distinct seasonal growth pattern, where it thrives during the cooler months and establishes itself before the heat of summer, which is crucial for its reproductive success.

In contrast, a perennial plant would live for multiple years, flowering and seeding in various seasons rather than adhering to the strict seasonal cycle of henbit. An annual plant, on the other hand, completes its entire life cycle within a single growing season, which does not accurately capture henbit's ability to survive through winter as a seedling. Lastly, a summer annual germinates in the spring, grows during the warm months, and dies with the onset of cooler temperatures, which is not applicable to henbit's growth behavior and life cycle.