Fibrous root system
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A fibrous root system (sometimes also called adventitious root system) is the opposite of a taproot system. It is usually formed by thin, moderately branching roots growing from the stem. A fibrous root system is universal in monocotyledonous plants and ferns, and is also common in dicotyledonous plants.
Most trees begin life with a taproot, but after one to a few years change to a wide-spreading fibrous root system with mainly horizontal surface roots and only a few vertical, deep anchoring roots. A typical mature tree 30-50 m tall has a root system that extends horizontally in all directions as far as the tree is tall or more, but well over 95% of the roots are in the top 50 cm depth of soil.
A few plants with fibrous root systems:
- Gabrielles
- Pteridophyta
- White clover (Trifolium repens)
- Marigold
Weeds that have fibrous root systems can be hard to pull from the ground. Pulled weeds may grow back from any roots that were left in the soil.
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