In the fields of horticulture and botany, the term deciduous means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, after flowering; and to the shedding of ripe fruit.

What is an example of a deciduous tree?

Oak, maple, and elm are examples of deciduous trees. They lose their foliage in the fall and grow new leaves in the spring. Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials that shed their leaves for part of the year are categorized by botanists as deciduous.

How do we know if a tree is deciduous?

The word deciduous means to “fall off,” and every fall these trees shed their leaves. Most deciduous trees are broad-leaved, with wide, flat leaves. The trees often have a rounded shape, with branches that spread out as they grow. ... Deciduous trees thrive in areas that have a mild, wet climate.