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CLAVATA3 (CLV3) functions as a putative peptide ligand that acts through the CLV1/CLV2 receptor complex to restrict the number of stem cells in the shoot apical meristem, but the biochemical nature of the ligand remains unknown. Overexpression of CLV3, or of related genes CLE19 or CLE40, leads to termination of meristem development. Fiers et al. (pages 2542-2553) hypothesized that the active part of the encoded proteins lies within a conserved 14-amino acid CLE motif. They demonstrated that synthetic peptides corresponding to this motif trigger consumption of the root meristem in vitro and that these peptides act through a CLV2-containing receptor complex to interfere with the specification of cell identities. The cover image shows abnormal expression of a cortex-specific yellow fluorescent protein marker in an increased number of ground tissue daughter cells (outlined in green) and in endodermis cells (outlined in white) of roots treated with CLE19 peptide.