Field experiments were carried out from 1999 to 2001 with nine crops (red beet, field pumpkin, chicory, common bean, barley, white cabbage, maize, alfalfa and common parsnip) to determine the cadmium and lead accumulation and distribution in the plants' organs. Based on the obtained results, species suited for phytoremediation were selected. Within the red beet, field pumpkin, chicory, common bean, white cabbage and parsnip the maximum Cd and Pb content was found in leaves. The red beet was characterized by the highest cadmium concentration ratio (shoots/roots). The red beet and common parsnip were characterized by the highest lead concentration ratios (shoots/roots). The phytoremediation efficiency of the investigated crops depended on the biomass production and the possibility of metal accumulation in harvestable organs.