Which of the following is a characteristic of a herbaceous plant?

A key characteristic of a herbaceous plant is that it typically dies back to the ground each year. Herbaceous plants are known for their non-woody stems, which often persist through a growing season but die off in the winter or during unfavorable conditions. This die-back allows the plant to conserve resources and re-emerge in the spring from the roots or lower portions of the plant.

The other characteristics mentioned do not align with herbaceous plants. For instance, having a thick, woody stem is indicative of woody plants rather than herbaceous types. Additionally, while some herbaceous perennials can live multiple years, not all herbaceous plants exhibit longevity, and the presence of a rubbery texture is not a defining feature of herbaceous plants. Thus, the ability to die back to the ground annually is the most relevant characteristic of herbaceous plants.