What type of life cycle do Johnsongrass and purple nutsedge have?

• A. Annual
• B. Biennial
• C. Perennial
• D. Transient

Answer: (C)

Both Johnsongrass and purple nutsedge persist for more than one year because they survive and regrow from underground structures, not just from seed. Johnsongrass has rhizomes that run underground and send up new shoots in following seasons, while purple nutsedge forms tubers and a network of rhizomes that store energy and allow new plants to appear year after year. This ability to survive underground and regrow makes them perennial weeds—their life cycle extends beyond a single growing season. Annuals die after one season, biennials take two years to complete their cycle, and transient isn’t a standard life-cycle category here.