What term describes a plant that persists for many growing seasons?

The correct term for a plant that persists for many growing seasons is "perennial." Perennial plants are characterized by their ability to live for multiple years, enduring through seasonal changes and often returning each growing season. This characteristic is significant in agriculture and gardening as perennials can provide ongoing yields or aesthetic benefits without the need for replanting each year.

In contrast, annual plants complete their life cycle in a single growing season, germinating, flowering, and dying within that timeframe. Biennial plants take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle; they typically grow leaves in the first year and produce flowers and seeds in the second. Deciduous refers to trees and shrubs that lose their leaves annually during the fall season, which is not directly related to the persistence of the plant over multiple growing seasons.

Thus, "perennial" is the most accurate term for plants that thrive for several years, making it the correct answer.