Native plants use a range of different root systems to anchor themselves, reach water, store energy, and spread through the landscape. Understanding each of these different root types can help you choose the right plants to meet your goals in your garden beds, prairies, rain gardens, restoration projects, and smaller spaces.
1. TAPROOT
A taproot system has one dominant main root that grows deep into the soil, with smaller side roots branching outward. Taproots can help plants reach deeper moisture levels and often make established plants much more tolerant of dry/drought conditions. On the other hand, because the main root being the plants main lifeline, transplanting can be difficult once established. As a rule of thumb, taproot plants are usually best left undisturbed once they are established.
2. FIBROUS
Unlike the taproot system, a fibrous root system is made up of many thin roots of similar size that spread outward from the base of the plant. These roots form a dense network near the soil surface, helping hold soil in place and absorb rainfall efficiently. Fibrous-rooted plants are especially useful for riverbank erosion control, meadow plantings, and restabilizing disturbed ground.
3. RHIZOMATOUS
A rhizomatous root system spreads through a wide web of underground stems called rhizomes. These stems spread horizontally underground and produce new roots and shoots at their nodes, allowing the plant to gradually form colonies. Rhizomatous plants can be excellent for filling larger spaces, suppressing weeds, stabilizing soil, and creating connected areas of wildlife habitat. On the flipside rhizomatous plants are tough for contained gardens because of their tendency to "run," - meaning they have the potential to travel throughout your garden or yard, uncontrollably.
4. CLUMP-FORMING
A clump-forming root system grows outward from the base of the plant in a tight cluster. The clump gradually becomes wider over time but usually remains more contained than a rhizomatous plant. Clump-forming species are useful in organized garden beds, borders, and mixed native plantings where a defined growth habit is preferred.
