Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

What Is a Plant Vein?

AKIRA/amanaimagesRF/amana images/Getty Images

Just as animals have vessels that carry materials throughout their bodies, plants have veins for the transportation of nutrients, including water. Plant veins are also sturdy enough to act as a support system and keep leaves open for photosynthesis -- the process through which plants make food. Plants have a vascular system throughout their roots and stems, but the system's veins are most visible in leaves.

Veinous Patterns

Veins are distributed either in a netlike or parallel formation. Narrow and needle leaves typically have a parallel vein structure with a main vein or veins extending from each leaf's base to its tip. Leaves of broad-leaf plants have one of two types of netlike veins. A pinnate leaf, for example, has a dominant, central vein with other vessels branching to the vein's sides. A palmate leaf, however, has several large veins originating from the leaf's base.

Related Articles

What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
Elderberry Leaf Identification
Elderberry Leaf Identification
Texas Tree Leaf Identification
Texas Tree Leaf Identification
When to Plant Red Potatoes in Mississippi
When to Plant Red Potatoes in Mississippi
Where Can I Purchase Peters Plant Food?
Where Can I Purchase Peters Plant Food?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Florida Plants That Sting
Florida Plants That Sting
Is Alstroemeria Poisonous to Cats?
Is Alstroemeria Poisonous to Cats?
Do Plant Cells Have Cilia?
Do Plant Cells Have Cilia?
How to Care for Jamaican Croton
How to Care for Jamaican Croton
Classification of Hibiscus Sinensis
Classification of Hibiscus Sinensis
Dogwood Tree Leaf Identification
Dogwood Tree Leaf Identification
How to Identify Cannabis Leaves
How to Identify Cannabis Leaves
Characteristics of Green Algae & Plants
Characteristics of Green Algae & Plants
How to Identify Leaves With a Red Stem
How to Identify Leaves With a Red Stem
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
Thistle Identification
Thistle Identification
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
How Long Is the Oat Growing Season?
How Long Is the Oat Growing Season?
Garden Guides
×