Dicots vs. monocots: what's the difference?

Whether you are a gardener, farmer, homesteader, forager or anything in between, you should know the difference between monocots and dicots. Don't worry, this division of plants is easy to understand and a good introduction to plant identification.

While there is some debate over these groups, it is currently a good method for practicing basic plant identification. At the core, dicots have two leaves upon germination while monocots have one. In mature plants, the leaves, root structure and flower petals can be used to tell the difference between monocots and dicots.

Dicots vs. monocots: what’s the difference?

This germinating plant has two leaves, so it is a dicot.

Dicots

Dicots are plants that come from seed that sends up two leaves upon germination. The reason for this is related to the vein structure of the seed.

Dicots have:

• A complex, net-like vein structure in their leaves

• A taproot

• Two leaves upon germination

• Petals in multiples of four or five

Dicots can also be herbaceous or woody, so this group includes angiosperm trees like apples and peaches. Common examples of dicots include beans, broccoli, cosmos, roses and peppers.

Many succulents are monocots.

Monocots

Monocots, like leeks and chives, only have one leaf upon germination.

Monocots have:

• A simple, parallel leaf structure

• Fibrous roots

• One leaf upon germination

• Petals in multiples of three

Corn, asparagus, bamboo, wheat and lilies are all monocots.

What about plants that aren’t dicots or monocots?

All flowering plants, called angiosperms, can be divided into monocots or dicots. Some plants, like mosses, come from spores and don’t belong to either group. This is because ferns and similar plants spread via spores.

Dicots vs monocots: why does it matter?

It’s good to know the differences between dicots and monocots because of their growth patterns. In particular, their roots make a big difference. Monocots often grow a large tap root that does not like to be moved or disturbed. For example, beans are a dicot and grow a tap root; so, you should sow them directly into the soil.

The more clean cut reason to know the difference between dicots and monocots is for plant identification. Whether you are in the garden without markers, in a farmer’s field or going foraging, knowing if a plant is a monocot or dicot will help you recognize plants. For example, if you were in a garden that had corn and beans growing, you would be able to identify them at any stage of growth.

The difference between dicots and monocots

Flowering plants are also called angiosperms.

At the core, dicots have two leaves as a young plant and monocots have one.

The most important difference this makes to gardening is with the root system. Dicots, like beans, have tap root systems and tend to be more sensitive to root damage or movement. Monocots, on the other hand, have a fibrous root system.

Knowing the difference between monocots and dicots can also make it easier to identify plants. Looking at key traits like leaf structure can also be a vital skill for anyone from foragers to gardeners.

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