OK, it was a Columbine plant I put in near there last year...Do they form tubers?

I know now they are a member of the Ranunculus family, same as Monkshood, which does form tubers or bulbs...

:o?

My columbine does not form tuber like roots. Especially nothing "shiny" and white.

You may wish to ask in the "Name that Plant" forum. They are truly amazing as to what they can id.

FataMorgana

Here is a link that might be useful:

Thanks, Fata; someone in the "name" thread id'd it as probably a betony plant. They posted a tuber px which looks a bit similar for a Texan betony plant of theirs--mine is a "Wood betony," supposedly.

It was rather interesting--apparently betony parasitizes the roots of other plants in some way. Maybe that is why the tuber had no stem or root attachments discernable.

When I purchased my betony plant, it was woody, but all the posted px see are succulent herbs, so I still lack absolute certainty, though.

Plant it and see what comes up. :)

Although now I'm curious. I might just have to dig up on of my wood betony's just to see that white root. The picture in the "Name" forum was really unbelievable - shiny and white does describe it!

FataMorgana

Let me know what you find.

The roots seem insufficient, so they go into the roots of other plants to get nutrients. They don't kill other plants, but limit their growth somewhat.