What is a Fibrous Root?

A type of plant root is what a fibrous root is. However, there is much more to know than knowing what is a fibrous root. Plants occur with a fibrous root system that come with same size, fine appearance and branching hairs that grow in order to form a dense mat. It is a type of root system that is commonly found, mainly among wildflowers and grasses. Apart from this, there is a range of advantages that this type of plant offers. Many working in garden have experienced the fibrous roots.

The time when plants start growing, the first root which is put is called as radical which is a large and thick root designed to let the plant grow and anchor to absorb required nutrients. Plants come with fibrous roots usually have radicles which later die, letting the fibrous roots to develop from stem and into the soil. On the other hand, there are taproots that grow directly from the radicles of the plant and form a single large and thick root that lets the plant stand healthily on the ground. The basic role of fibrous roots is to gather nutrients for the plant and they often can be found growing from taproots.

One great advantage of this root system is that it can be highly useful in erosion control due to its holding nature of soil in place. The root actually has potential to trap moisture from plant. Also they spread widely letting the plant to receive more nutrients and water. They are the fibrous roots that hold the plant onto place firmly so that even if heavy weather, animals or other things come on way they won’t be able to disturb the plant. Sometimes these advantages become a problem for gardeners, especially when the plants with fibrous roots are undesired. Such plants are difficult to pull out of soil easily and even if they come out the roots stay under the surface of the soil and regrow. For this particular reason, gardeners have to work out more by removing the roots entirely. They require gardening tools to remove.

Fibrous roots which spread out wide cannot be planted in container gardening.