Which of the following is a biennial weed?

Musk thistle is classified as a biennial weed, which means that it has a two-year life cycle. During the first year, it typically grows as a rosette of leaves close to the ground. In the second year, it bolts, meaning it produces a flowering stem, and then it flowers and produces seeds, completing its life cycle before dying. This characteristic is essential for its identification and management.

In contrast, cattail is a perennial wetland plant that can live for several years, while chicory is also a perennial plant that can grow and reproduce over multiple seasons. Water hemp is an annual plant, completing its life cycle within a single growing season by germinating, growing, flowering, and producing seeds all in one year. Understanding the growth habits and life cycles of these plants is crucial for effective weed management.