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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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  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    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! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Not sure of your plans but Tragopogon porrifolious has a long tap root. Lovely plant but seeds everywhere in a clay soil. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Ivy?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    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: 10,576
    Dandelions have long tap roots and seem to appear practically overnight sometimes.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Horseradish has a long tap root,I believe.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Orchids have clear plastic pots so you can see the roots?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    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: 1,723
    Mugwort would fit the bill. Othewise something like sycamore saplings, fast growing and with good deep woody roots.
  • matthew.mcevermatthew.mcever Posts: 2
    Thank you everyone for your replies! I have multiple projects planned. Some will be root bonsai type situations, some will be exposed root sculptures, some will potentially be clear container viewed, some will be grown with specific form and intent. Some, most, of these project ideas will leave the plant to be displayed as a live specimen. To a certain extent, what type of plant I end up using and their root structures will determine what projects I pursue. I am just looking to explore the form and structure of these systems. 

    Thanks everyone!
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