Here's why:
* Vascular: This means the plant has specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.
* Does not have flowers: This eliminates flowering plants (angiosperms) and leaves us with the other major group of vascular plants, the gymnosperms.
* Loses its leaves in winter: This characteristic is typical of many conifers, especially those found in colder climates. They are not technically "deciduous" (which refers to losing leaves in the fall), but they do drop their needles seasonally.
Examples of Conifers: Pines, firs, spruces, cedars, redwoods, etc.