What characterizes a deciduous plant?

A deciduous plant is characterized by its seasonal behavior of shedding leaves during the fall. This process is a natural adaptation to conserve water and energy during the winter months when conditions are less favorable for growth. Deciduous plants typically go through a cycle where they lose their leaves in autumn, remain leafless during the winter, and then re-foliate in the spring as new growth begins. This characteristic is a defining feature of deciduous trees and shrubs, setting them apart from evergreen plants, which retain their foliage throughout the year. The other options do not accurately describe the primary defining characteristic of deciduous plants. For instance, remaining green year-round refers to evergreen plants, while flower production and continuous growth can apply to various plant types but are not exclusive to deciduous species.