Which word describes a tree that sheds its leaves seasonally?

The term that accurately describes a tree that sheds its leaves seasonally is "deciduous." Deciduous trees typically lose their leaves in the autumn as a response to changing weather conditions, particularly in temperate regions, where they face cold winters. This adaptation aids the tree in conserving water and energy during the harsher climate and helps it survive until spring when it can once again grow new leaves.

In contrast, evergreen trees retain their foliage throughout the year, allowing them to photosynthesize and grow continuously, even in winter. The term "perennial" generally refers to plants that live for more than two years, regardless of their leaf-shedding behavior, while "transitory" describes something temporary or short-lived, which doesn't apply to the seasonal nature of leaf shedding. Thus, "deciduous" is the most fitting term for trees that experience seasonal leaf loss.