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This study examines whether root traits differed between three major plant families (Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae) and whether they are related to root respiration and exudation. Nine traits related to biomass allocation, root topology, morphology, chemical composition and mycorrhizal colonisation were examined for nine C 3 herbaceous species grown in controlled conditions. Poaceae differed from Fabaceae for the whole set of root traits examined except mycorrhizal colonisation, while Asteraceae showed intermediate characteristics. As compared to Fabaceae, Poaceae allocated more biomass to roots; showed a more sparsely branched root system with a small average root diameter, a high root dry matter content and a low nitrogen concentration. Root respiration was weakly related to root mass ratio and root dry matter content; no significant relationship was found between root functions and root architecture or morphology. This study shows that plant classification based on taxonomic affiliation reflects differences in root system traits and functions. Whole root system traits do not allow strong predictions of root respiration and exudation, perhaps because these processes are more linked to fine root than to whole root system traits.