Plants that have soft, non-woody stems are referred to as?

Plants that have soft, non-woody stems are referred to as herbaceous. This classification is based on the characteristics of the stem and overall structure of the plant. Herbaceous plants typically have stems that are green and flexible, dying back to the ground at the end of the growing season. They are usually distinguished from woody plants, which have hardened or lignified stems that remain standing throughout the winter.

The term "herbaceous" is commonly applied to a variety of plants, including many garden flowers, vegetables, and grasses. These types of plants often flourish in various climates and can provide essential functions in ecosystems, such as attracting pollinators and providing ground cover.

Woody plants, on the other hand, feature stems that contain lignin, which makes them rigid and capable of supporting larger structures. Succulents are a specific category of plants that store water in their fleshy tissues; they can be herbaceous or woody, depending on their structure. Lastly, the term "vascular" pertains to those plants that possess vascular tissues for transport, which includes both herbaceous and woody types but does not specifically define stem structure.