Growth and xylem differentiation in cotyledonary shoots were studied by partially isolating one shoot surgically in nondecapitated and decapitated flax plants (Linum usitatissimum var. noralta). Three types of cuts were made. The first type separated the shoot from the hypocotyl and the second from the epicotyl. The third type of cut was made at the node separating the two shoots, which, however, remained independently connected with the hypocotyl and epicotyl. In nondecapitated plants, the lateral shoots were inhibited. They had at their bases primary xylem strands, some of which were connected with the hypocotylary stele; the strands contained predominantly tracheids. In decapitated plants, the separated shoot grew vigorously when it was connected with both hypocotyl and epicotyl or hypocotyl alone. Such shoots contained at their bases abundant secondary xylem strands which were connected with the hypocotylary stele; the strands included predominantly vessels. The shoot that was isolated from the hypocotyl but connected with the epicotyl was inhibited even though it had abundant secondary xylem strands at its base. Results of this study suggest that growth of the cotyledonary shoot is dependent on the prior development of adequate xylem connections with the hypocotylary stele.