Which of the following best defines herbaceous plants?

Herbaceous plants are characterized by their non-woody stems, which typically die back to the ground at the end of their growing season. This means that, unlike woody plants, herbaceous plants do not maintain a rigid structure year-round; instead, they regenerate from their roots, crowns, or seeds each spring. This definition is consistent with many common garden flowers and vegetables, which exhibit this life cycle.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that are not applicable to herbaceous plants. Plants with hard stems and perennial roots symbolize woody plants, while annual blooming and fruit-bearing usually pertains to specific flowering plants rather than a defining feature of herbaceous plants. Lastly, drought-resistant plants can include both herbaceous and woody species, so this trait is not exclusive to herbaceous plants. The defining feature that encompasses all herbaceous plants is their tendency to die back to the ground, confirming the accuracy of the provided definition.