Parts of a Plant

Plants have body parts, just like you do! A plant has roots, a stem, leaves, and flowers. The roots grow down into the soil. They hold the plant in place and drink up water. The stem stands up tall and holds the plant up. The leaves reach out to catch sunlight. The flowers are the pretty part. They help the plant make seeds so new plants can grow. Trees have parts too. A tree has roots, a trunk, branches, and leaves. The trunk is like a big, strong stem. Next time you see a plant, try to name all its parts.

Roots are the part of the plant that grows under the ground. Roots do three big jobs. First, they hold the plant in the soil so it does not fall over. Second, they drink up water and food bits called minerals from the soil. Then the water travels up to the rest of the plant. Third, roots can store food for the plant to use later. Some roots we even eat, like carrots. So when you water a plant, it is the roots that take in the water.

Leaves are the part of the plant that catch sunlight. Most leaves are green. The green color comes from something inside the leaf called chlorophyll. Leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant. This is called photosynthesis. That is a big word that means making food from light. A leaf has a flat, wide part that soaks up the sun. It also has a little stalk that joins it to the stem. Without leaves catching sunlight, a plant cannot make its food.

Flowering plants are plants that grow flowers. They are the most common plants on Earth. A flower is a special part of the plant. Its job is to help the plant make seeds. The seeds can grow into new plants. Many flowers are bright and smell sweet. This helps bees and butterflies find them. The bees carry tiny dust called pollen from flower to flower. That helps the flowers make seeds. Apple trees, roses, and sunflowers are all flowering plants.