Roots, Stems, and Leaves

Every plant has three main parts: roots, stems, and leaves. Each part has an important job. Roots hold the plant in the ground and soak up water. Stems carry water and nutrients up to the leaves. Leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant.

Roots and Stems

Roots grow underground and anchor the plant in soil. They absorb water and minerals that the plant needs. Some roots, like carrots and beets, store food. Stems hold up the plant and carry water from the roots to the leaves. Tree trunks are very large, strong stems.

Leaves

Leaves are the food factories of a plant. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugar through photosynthesis. Leaves come in many shapes and sizes. Tiny pores called stomata on the leaves let air in and water vapor out.

Fun Facts

• A single rye plant can have over 14 billion root hairs.
• The tallest tree trunk in the world belongs to a coast redwood over 380 feet tall.
• Some leaves, like those of the giant Amazon water lily, can be over 8 feet across.

Did You Know?

Leaves are green because of a chemical called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light from the sun and reflects green light back to our eyes!