herbaceous
UK: hɜːˈbeɪʃəs | US: hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs
adj. relating to or resembling herbs (plants with soft, non-woody stems)
adj. having the characteristics of green, leafy vegetation
The word "herbaceous" combines "herb," derived from Latin herba (meaning "grass" or "green crops"), with the suffix "-aceous," from Latin -aceus (indicating resemblance or nature). The suffix was adopted into Middle English via Old French, often used in botanical contexts to describe plant-like qualities. The term evolved to specifically denote plants with soft, perishable stems, distinguishing them from woody plants.
The garden was filled with herbaceous plants like mint and basil.
Herbaceous stems are typically flexible and green.
Botanists classify many flowering plants as herbaceous perennials.
The meadow displayed a vibrant array of herbaceous foliage.
Unlike trees, herbaceous species die back to the ground in winter.