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looking for fast growing woody root systems

matthew.mcevermatthew.mcever Posts: 2
in Plants
I am looking for suggestions on a plant to grow for a specific purpose. I will be using root structure to create living display pieces. I am needing a plant that has fast growing, woody roots. I am interested in finding both plants that have strong lateral root growth and plants that have strong tap root growth. I am considering all types and sizes of plants. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,585
    Could you maybe show us a photo of the type of thing you want to create?

    I’m having trouble with the concept.

    You want to display a living plant somewhere with its roots exposed?


    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 652
    I'm guessing you'd like to plant it in a clear container to view the roots grow?

    Shouldn't think you could go far wrong with an oak sapling?


    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 3,642
    Not sure of your plans but Tragopogon porrifolious has a long tap root. Lovely plant but seeds everywhere in a clay soil. 
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL CLAY

    A garden is an oasis for creation, available to anyone with a little space and the compunction to get their hands dirty.

    Dan Pearson
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,505
    Ivy?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 809
    If you look at bonsai, ficus are used for exposed roots. A fun option to try might be mangroves, propagules can be picked up quite cheaply but they take a few years to really get going. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,234
    Dandelions have long tap roots and seem to appear practically overnight sometimes.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,505
    Horseradish has a long tap root,I believe.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 3,642
    Orchids have clear plastic pots so you can see the roots?
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL CLAY

    A garden is an oasis for creation, available to anyone with a little space and the compunction to get their hands dirty.

    Dan Pearson
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 2,672
    Alkanet has long black tap roots.  Are you fussy about the top growth or is it simply the roots you want to see ?
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,623
    Mugwort would fit the bill. Othewise something like sycamore saplings, fast growing and with good deep woody roots.
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