Which term refers to the characteristic of a tree or plant that sheds leaves seasonally?

The term that refers to the characteristic of a tree or plant that sheds its leaves seasonally is "deciduous." Deciduous plants typically lose their leaves in response to environmental changes, particularly as a strategy to conserve water and energy during unfavorable weather conditions, such as winter or dry seasons. This adaptive trait allows these plants to survive in various climates by entering a dormant state.

"Evergreen" describes plants that retain their leaves throughout the year, maintaining foliage regardless of seasonal changes. "Semi-deciduous" refers to plants that may lose some, but not all, of their leaves seasonally, usually in dry conditions, but they are not completely bare as true deciduous plants are. "Perennial" indicates plants that live for more than two years; the term does not inherently imply anything about their leaf-shedding habits, as perennials can be either deciduous or evergreen. Thus, "deciduous" is specifically accurate for the seasonal shedding of leaves.