Are we looking at the outside edge of the clump?

yes, the ends of those small white surface roots are about 8-10 inches from the clump center. There is a dry flower stalk broken off in the clump that is baely visible: I now realize I should have put a point of reference for the clump

Interesting observation, Bruce.
I would like to know why you group ventricosa roots with sieblodiana roots. Do you have a photo of a sieboldiana doing the same thing? The two seem to come from opposite ends of the spectrum, in their seasonal growth habits.
Rox

If you study mature hosta clumps, >5 years old, especially when dividing them, the root characteristics can be compared. Also if the mature clumps have root tips coming out of the ground away from the central clump, due to good growing conditions, they will appear to even look stoloniferous, which seems contradictory for such slow growers.

But again in my 50 or so years digging and dividing old clumps, have seen many similarities.

Mostly due to soil types: more humous, more growth tips coming out. More clay less growth.

So it is really related to their vigor and growing conditions - not always seen in young plants, although pot-bound plants show similar root growth.

when you grow up in a hosta patch ... you get 50 years experience at 52 years old... lol ... close enough ...

surprised you dont claim 9 months more than your age experience ... i mean really .. if mom had her hands in the soil.. its was probably in your blood ....

BTW.. this is the guy who taught me a bunch of my old adages i have repeated ad nauseum ... here

THROW IT ON THE DRIVEWAY.. ITS A HOSTA.. IT WILL LIVE .. lol

run it over...

beat it on a tree to stimulate growth ...
scrape it on the sidewalk ...

its easy to dig and move a garden.. i have done it 6 times ...

if i think of more.. i will post them ... lol

ken