Understanding Plant Life Spans: From Daylilies to Mighty Oaks

Most people don’t realize that plants have lifespans just like animals and people and they vary widely. Some plants live only a few short years, while others, like oak trees, can thrive for centuries.

Interestingly, short-lived plants tend to reproduce heavily to ensure their survival. On the other hand, long-living species like oaks produce a lot of fruit (acorns), but only a tiny fraction successfully germinate and grow into mature trees. In many cases, their seeds also serve another purpose: feeding wildlife.

Plant Lifespan Examples

• Oak Tree: 800–900 years

• Maple Tree: 200–300 years

• Daylily: ~20 years

• Coneflower: ~10 years

• Yarrow: ~5 years

• Columbine: ~4 years

Why Some Perennials Disappear

Many perennials rely on self-seeding to persist year after year. Their seeds typically fall close to the parent plant, while others spread by wind. This natural cycle usually takes place in fall as the parent plant dies back from frost.

However, modern landscaping practices can interrupt this process:

• Mulching too heavily can smother not only the original plant but also any newly dropped seeds or emerging seedlings.

• Pre-emergent herbicides, often used to prevent weeds, can also prevent the next generation of perennials from growing.

In fact, many “true” gardeners avoid mulch altogether for this very reason. If mulch is needed, it’s best applied mid-summer or in the fall — after self-seeding has occurred — to avoid interfering with the regeneration process.

A Thoughtful Approach to Plant Longevity

Good horticultural practices allow plants to regenerate naturally and often live far beyond human lifespans. From a four-year Columbine to a 900-year Oak, these living organisms have remarkable potential — if we let them.

At M.J. Design, we pride ourselves on understanding and respecting these natural cycles. That’s why we offer lifetime guarantees on our plant installations as long as we’re maintaining them. It’s our way of ensuring every plant we install has the best possible chance to thrive for generations to come.

Interested in working with our design team to create a dynamic and gorgeous landscape for you to enjoy for years to come? Take a look at our Design Process page.