Yes, all of life is sacred, including plants; and yes, there is research that demonstrates that plants have feelings - they feel it when their leaves or stems are ripped - and there is scientific evidence that while plants do not have brains and nervous systems like animals, they nevertheless actively work to ensure their survival - they want to live, thrive, reproduce, evolve.
Simple Recipes for Joy: More Than 200 Delicious Vegan Recipes (ed. Penguin, 2014) - ISBN: 9780698170117