What identifying feature distinguishes forbs from other plant types?

Forbs are primarily distinguished from other plant types by their flowering characteristics, specifically the presence of showy flowers. These flowering plants typically belong to a broad category of flowering species that are not grasses, sedges, or shrubs. The striking blooms of forbs often serve essential ecological functions, such as attracting pollinators and providing food for various organisms.

While herbaceous growth is a common trait, and there are indeed forbs that have hollow stems or triangular stems, these features can also be found in other plant types. Therefore, the prominence of showy flowers is a more definitive identification characteristic of forbs within their ecological classifications.