Which of the following is an example of a spring annual?

• A. Ragweed
• B. Thistle
• C. Mullein
• D. Star-of-Bethlehem

Answer: (A)

A spring annual is a plant that germinates in spring and completes its life cycle in one growing season, dying after producing seeds. Ragweed fits this pattern: it sprouts in spring, grows through the season, and sets seeds by late summer, then dies, leaving seeds to carry on next year. Star-of-Bethlehem is a perennial that comes back year after year from its bulb. Mullein is typically a biennial or perennial, living more than one year. Thistle species are usually biennial or perennial as well, though some annual forms exist, they aren’t the classic spring annual pattern like ragweed.