What are the three main categories of plants based on their size, growth habit, and life span?

Plants are often classified based on their size, growth habit, and life span, into three main categories: herbs, shrubs, and trees.

Herbs: are usually annual or perennial plants with relatively soft stems and limited woody tissue. They die back to the ground at the end of each growing season.

Shrubs: are usually woody plants with several stems and limited height. They retain their woody stems and branches above ground even after several growing seasons.

Trees: are usually tall and long-lived plants with a single stem (trunk) and branches that form a crown. They continue to grow and develop over several years, sometimes living for many decades or even centuries.