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

The term that accurately describes plants thriving in warm summer temperatures is "warm-season plants." These plants are specifically adapted to grow and flourish during the warmer months, typically requiring higher temperatures to germinate, establish, and produce effectively. Examples of warm-season plants include many types of grasses, vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and flowering plants that bloom during the summer.

In contrast, cool-season plants prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall and are often established in cooler conditions, making them less suitable for the heat of summer. Perennial plants refer to those that live for more than two years, regardless of their temperature preferences, while annual plants are those that complete their life cycle within a single growing season, which may or may not coincide with warm temperatures. Hence, the distinction lies in the specific adaptation of warm-season plants to thrive in and benefit from the heat of summer, making this the correct choice.