What term describes plants that thrive in warm, summer temperatures?

The term that best describes plants thriving in warm, summer temperatures is "warm-season plants." These plants are specifically adapted to grow and produce during the warmer months when temperatures are higher. They typically emerge and grow best during late spring and summer, taking advantage of the increased sunlight and warmth. Examples of warm-season plants include many popular crops like corn, beans, and certain grasses, which all benefit from the longer growing season and higher temperatures. This adaptation allows them to complete their life cycles effectively within the appropriate climatic conditions, ensuring optimal growth and harvest in the warmth of summer.

In contrast, cool-season plants are those that prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, and they typically may not thrive or can even suffer stress during the heat of summer. Perennial plants can be either cool-season or warm-season, depending on their specific growing requirements. Annual plants, while they may grow during warm temperatures, don’t specifically define those that thrive in the warmth, as their life cycle is completed within a single growing season regardless of the temperature.