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.

Where are you growing these fast growing trees?

A couple fast growing trees in my area include box elder and poplar.
Yesterday, I was picking up stuff... found a partly broken box elder limb touching the ground, and rooted in...

Actually, if you just wanted to collect escaped invasives... I have some privet you could come and dig...

Are you building/making display stands made from the roots of woody plants? Do I understand correctly your intent is to maintain the display itself as a living plant?

http://duckduckgo.com/?q=diy+b...

If yes, rosewood is commonly used ..... and many of the stands are not made from root systems. They often start with a log which is carved to resemble roots. It would be helpful if you shared what your intent is or showed an image that at least resembles what you want to end up with.

Al

Thank you everyone for your replies! Stone.. I am growing in central Texas and would love to stick with native if I can but not a requirement. And thanks, Ill pass on the privet! Tapla.. I actually have a whole series of different projects I am planning on trying. Some will be root bonsai type situations, some will be exposed root sculptures, 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!

Any of your neighbors need help digging out wild blackberries and raspberries? Clip the cane at soil level and you can yank out nice long woody roots. And any live crowns can be replanted for future projects.

Honeysuckle has nice twiny roots too.