What type of plant is referred to as a forb?

A forb is specifically defined as a broad-leafed herbaceous plant that does not possess persistent woody tissue. This means that forbs typically have soft stems and generally die back to the ground at the end of the growing season, unlike woody plants, which maintain their structure year-round. The characteristic of being herbaceous is particularly important, as it distinguishes forbs from shrubs and trees, which are woody plants.

This classification is fundamental in ecology and botany for understanding plant communities and their roles in ecosystems, especially in relation to flora diversity in various habitats. While the other options reference various plant characteristics, they do not accurately describe the defining traits of forbs, which is why the selected answer is the correct one.