What is the primary feature of deciduous trees?

Deciduous trees are primarily characterized by their annual shedding of leaves, which occurs in response to seasonal changes, typically in the fall. This adaptation allows the trees to conserve water and energy during the winter months when conditions are less favorable for photosynthesis. Shedding leaves also reduces water loss, as the leaf structures are significant sources of evaporation. This cyclical process distinguishes deciduous trees from evergreen trees, which retain their foliage throughout the year.

The other features listed do not define deciduous trees. While some deciduous trees do produce flowers, flowering is not exclusive to this group, as many plants across various categories also flower. Remaining green year-round is a characteristic of evergreen trees, not deciduous ones. Similarly, growing cones is typical of coniferous plants like pines and firs instead of deciduous trees. Hence, the correct understanding aligns closely with the seasonal leaf-shedding characteristic that defines the deciduous category.