Basic Plant Identification

Plants have two systems: a shoot system and a root system. The roots of a plant absorb water and minerals from the soil, store food for future use, produce growth hormones for the plant, and anchor the plant in the soil. Some plants have tap roots, which are long roots that go deep into the soil. Some plants just have lateral roots, which can spread out in all directions. 

The stem of a plant supports the leaves, flowers, and fruits. It also stores and transports food, water, and nutrients to the rest of the plant body. The leaves make food for the plant from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through a process called photosynthesis. They also help the plant transpire, which is similar to when humans sweat. Additionally, flowering plants have flowers and fruits that allow them to reproduce. Flowers attract pollinators like bees to fertilize them. After the flower is fertilized, it can ripen into a fruit, which protects the seeds of the plant and helps the seeds get spread around. Then hopefully the seed will grow into a new plant!

Study guide printable: Basic Plant ID Study Guide

Coloring/Fill-in-the-blank worksheet printable: Basic Plant ID Coloring/Worksheet