Which of the following statements about perennial plants is NOT true?

The statement regarding perennial plants and their growth stages highlights a key aspect of their lifecycle. Perennial plants are characterized by their ability to live for several years, and while they may go through various growth stages throughout their lives, they do not go through a seedling stage every year.

Typically, a perennial plant will establish itself by growing from seed during its initial year or years. Once it matures, subsequent growth seasons involve the plant entering stages such as vegetative, flowering, and dormancy, rather than repeating the seedling stage annually. This distinction indicates that the plant has reached a level of maturity where it is capable of producing flowers and seeds without reverting to the seedling stage each year.

On the other hand, perennial plants are indeed capable of reproducing both by seeds and vegetatively through various means such as root pieces, and they can complete their growth stages within a single year, especially in a conducive climate or during a growing season. Understanding the nature of perennial plants helps in any agricultural or horticultural practices, particularly when selecting plants for gardens or landscapes.