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Seeds for Bonsai Plants
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Bonsai are beautiful and graceful plants that reflect the patience and care of their owners. Many good books have been written on the care and culture of bonsai and most are available at your local library free of charge.
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Image:Tortie tude, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
TRZ169 American Silverberry ( Elaeagnus commutata )
This is a wonderful outside plant as described below, but as the picture shows, it also makes a wonderful bonsai plant as well.
Elaeagnus commutata, also known as American Silverberry or Wolf-willow, is a native shrub/tree to western North America. With its broad lanceolate leaves covered in small, dense white scales, the plant is a beautiful ornamental for gardens. But besides being aesthetically pleasing, the fruits and seeds of the plant are edible, rich in vitamins and minerals, and provide a source of essential fatty acids. The fruit can also be used to make delicious jellies and soups. Additionally, the shrub is known to fix nitrogen and increases fruit production when grown as a companion plant in orchards. Wildlife, especially sharp-tailed grouse, and songbirds are known to feed on the fruits, making it an important food source in the winter. It provides cover and nesting sites for mallards and many passerine birds. The shrub typically grows on dry to moist sandy and gravel soils in steppes, meadows or woodland edges. It has been known to increase forage production in rough fescue grasslands. Consider adding Elaeagnus commutata to your garden for both its aesthetic appeal and its edible and ecological benefits.
Best suited for zones 3-9.
Elaeagnus commutata, also known as American Silverberry or Wolf-willow, is a native shrub/tree to western North America. With its broad lanceolate leaves covered in small, dense white scales, the plant is a beautiful ornamental for gardens. But besides being aesthetically pleasing, the fruits and seeds of the plant are edible, rich in vitamins and minerals, and provide a source of essential fatty acids. The fruit can also be used to make delicious jellies and soups. Additionally, the shrub is known to fix nitrogen and increases fruit production when grown as a companion plant in orchards. Wildlife, especially sharp-tailed grouse, and songbirds are known to feed on the fruits, making it an important food source in the winter. It provides cover and nesting sites for mallards and many passerine birds. The shrub typically grows on dry to moist sandy and gravel soils in steppes, meadows or woodland edges. It has been known to increase forage production in rough fescue grasslands. Consider adding Elaeagnus commutata to your garden for both its aesthetic appeal and its edible and ecological benefits.
Best suited for zones 3-9.
Image:Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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ACER10 Trident Maple ( Acer buergerianum )
The trident maple is a very popular species for bonsai, due to its small, three-lobed leaves, a readily-thickening trunk, and thick, gnarly roots which adapt well to root-over-rock style. A small tree, the trident maple usually grows only to 20 ft. in nature with yellow blooms in early Spring. Hardiness Range: 5A-9A, Mature Height Outside: 25' to 50' / 7.60m to 15.20m
Outside Requirements: prefers partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be moist.
Outside Requirements: prefers partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be moist.
Image:IvanA, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TRZ165 Tartar Maple ( Acer tataricum )
An easy to grow bonsai. Acer tataricum, more commonly known as Tatar Maple or Tatarian Maple - is a resilient, deciduous shrub or tree that thrives even in harsh conditions. Originally found in central and southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, this vibrant species can now be sighted as far as Russia, Japan, and North America.
It blooms with whitish-green flowers from May till June and proudly bears pairs of red samaras that mature in the late summer through early autumn. Tatar maple grows up to a height of 15-40 ft and boasts of thin, pale brown bark which becomes charmingly fissured on mature plants. The leaves of this species are simple and broadly ovate, displaying an unmissable matte green hue that pairs wonderfully with the pink-tinged, slender leaf petioles. In autumn, it puts on an alluring display of red foliage, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.
Acer tataricum is well-adapted to different soil types- from sandy to loamy and heavy clay soils- and pH levels. It exhibits an extraordinary tolerance for climatic extremes, thereby able to withstand hot, cold, and dry weather conditions. Making it a favorite for adding visual appeal to backyards, parks, and shelterbelts. This heartily versatile maple, with its lush foliage and weather-resistant properties, the Acer tataricum is sure to make an enriching addition to any landscape. Zones 3-8.
It blooms with whitish-green flowers from May till June and proudly bears pairs of red samaras that mature in the late summer through early autumn. Tatar maple grows up to a height of 15-40 ft and boasts of thin, pale brown bark which becomes charmingly fissured on mature plants. The leaves of this species are simple and broadly ovate, displaying an unmissable matte green hue that pairs wonderfully with the pink-tinged, slender leaf petioles. In autumn, it puts on an alluring display of red foliage, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.
Acer tataricum is well-adapted to different soil types- from sandy to loamy and heavy clay soils- and pH levels. It exhibits an extraordinary tolerance for climatic extremes, thereby able to withstand hot, cold, and dry weather conditions. Making it a favorite for adding visual appeal to backyards, parks, and shelterbelts. This heartily versatile maple, with its lush foliage and weather-resistant properties, the Acer tataricum is sure to make an enriching addition to any landscape. Zones 3-8.
Image:Cephas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TRZ162 Princess Persimmon ( Diospyros rhombifolia )
Looking for a perfect bonsai to add to your collection? Consider Diospyros rhombifolia, also known as the Chinese Persimmon, Diamond-leaf Persimmon, or Princess Persimmon. This tree is loved by bonsai enthusiasts for its dwarf size and small fruit. Not only is it a great addition to any bonsai collection, but it also adds a unique touch to any indoor or outdoor space. The tree's foliage boasts beautiful diamond-shaped leaves that shimmer in the sunlight, making it a stunning decorative item. This tree is perfect for beginners as it's easy to care for and can thrive in various environments. Don't wait any longer, get your Diospyros rhombifolia Chinese Persimmon today and add a touch of royal elegance to your bonsai collection!
Image: By Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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B1702 Sacred Japanese Cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica )
A very popular bonsai plant with pyramidal form. Outside, it is an elegant evergreen tree . The bark is reddish-brown and peels in strips.
Grown outside, it is a large conifer to 200 feet tall with a trunk to 20 feet in diameter, covered in reddish bark, and a conical crown with spreading branches. The leaves are small, needle-like and dark green.
It is native to southern Japan as well as southern China where it is found in a variety of forests from near sea level to over 8200 feet. In cultivation, it is popular as a forestry and ornamental tree in Japan and China as well as elsewhere around the world. It is very easy to grow and will do well in USDA Zones 7 and above.
It is native to southern Japan as well as southern China where it is found in a variety of forests from near sea level to over 8200 feet. In cultivation, it is popular as a forestry and ornamental tree in Japan and China as well as elsewhere around the world. It is very easy to grow and will do well in USDA Zones 7 and above.
Image: By Matěj Baťha [CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons
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TRZ126 Pyramid Chinese Juniper ( Juniperus chinensis )
A graceful garden tree also known as Pyramid Cedar, this specimen is fast becoming an accepted specimen of Bonsai culture. Has needle like leaves and twisted trunk with slightly scaly bark.
3557 Desert Rose ( Adenium obesum )
If you would like to grow a gorgeous houseplant requiring very little care, you cannot go wrong with the common Desert Rose plant.
This carefree succulent boasts an unusual trunk (caudex) shape coupled with bunches of beautiful, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers in an abundance of carmine-rose colors.
The plant makes an excellent warm-weather addition to your patio, deck or landscape, and it also does very well as a bonsai or houseplant.
Winter hardy to Zone 11. In colder zones, plants should be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. In containers, desert rose is best grown in a loose, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil mix in full sun. Plants have excellent heat tolerance. Apply regular moisture during periods of growth, but allow soils to dry between waterings. Regular applications of fertilizer in spring will help promote flowering. Plants can be left outdoors in sunny locations during the summer. As soon as temperatures begin to dip below 55 degrees F. in autumn, bring containers indoors to sunny but cool locations with reduced watering. Plants usually lose their leaves in winter and go into a dormancy-like period. For container plants, the best caudex usually develops from seed-grown plants.
This carefree succulent boasts an unusual trunk (caudex) shape coupled with bunches of beautiful, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers in an abundance of carmine-rose colors.
The plant makes an excellent warm-weather addition to your patio, deck or landscape, and it also does very well as a bonsai or houseplant.
Winter hardy to Zone 11. In colder zones, plants should be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. In containers, desert rose is best grown in a loose, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil mix in full sun. Plants have excellent heat tolerance. Apply regular moisture during periods of growth, but allow soils to dry between waterings. Regular applications of fertilizer in spring will help promote flowering. Plants can be left outdoors in sunny locations during the summer. As soon as temperatures begin to dip below 55 degrees F. in autumn, bring containers indoors to sunny but cool locations with reduced watering. Plants usually lose their leaves in winter and go into a dormancy-like period. For container plants, the best caudex usually develops from seed-grown plants.
Image:Sage Ross, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TRZ157 Flowering Camellia ( Camellia japonica )
Discover the beauty of the Japanese Camellia, also known as Camellia japonica or "rose of winter". This plant makes a great bonsai plant. A flowering shrub or small tree, it is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is the official state flower of Alabama. With shiny dark green leaves, the flowers of this plant can come in red, white, or pink shades, sometimes with stripes or specks.
Camellia japonica wants to grow in a rich, acid soil with part shade or full sun and can be cultivated as both a shrub or small tree. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, an edible oil called "tsubaki oil" can be obtained from the seeds. Explore the thousands of cultivars available and bring the beauty of this graceful plant into your home garden.
It is native to Japan and is well-known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers. Camellia japonica is highly regarded for its ornamental value and has been cultivated for centuries in Japan and other parts of the world.
Best suited for zones 7-9, but can also be grown as a container plant in cooler zones.
Camellia japonica wants to grow in a rich, acid soil with part shade or full sun and can be cultivated as both a shrub or small tree. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, an edible oil called "tsubaki oil" can be obtained from the seeds. Explore the thousands of cultivars available and bring the beauty of this graceful plant into your home garden.
It is native to Japan and is well-known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers. Camellia japonica is highly regarded for its ornamental value and has been cultivated for centuries in Japan and other parts of the world.
Best suited for zones 7-9, but can also be grown as a container plant in cooler zones.
Image: By Sage Ross [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons
JM219 Cedar of Lebanon ( Cedrus libani )
A mature cedar of Lebanon is a stately and picturesque evergreen conifer. It has a massive (sometimes forked) trunk, very wide-spreading horizontal branches (the lower ones often kissing the ground), and a crown of flat tiers, like table tops. This magnificent tree can be raised in bonsai form very easily
The Lebanon Cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon, and it is seen on the Lebanese flag. It is also the main symbol of the Cedar Revolution, along with many political parties in Lebanon such as the Kataeb, the National Liberal Party and the Lebanese Forces. As a result of long exploitation, very few old trees remain in Lebanon, but there is now an active program to conserve and regenerate the forests. The forest of the Cedars of God in Bsharri and the Barouk forest are national reserves in Lebanon. Germination: 30-50%.
The Lebanon Cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon, and it is seen on the Lebanese flag. It is also the main symbol of the Cedar Revolution, along with many political parties in Lebanon such as the Kataeb, the National Liberal Party and the Lebanese Forces. As a result of long exploitation, very few old trees remain in Lebanon, but there is now an active program to conserve and regenerate the forests. The forest of the Cedars of God in Bsharri and the Barouk forest are national reserves in Lebanon. Germination: 30-50%.
Image:
Author: Andreas D. on flickr.
Wikimedia Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/spengler/49485107/
IP325 Fairy Duster ( Calliandra eriophylla )
Fairy dusters appeal to gardeners seeking an ornamental, drought-tolerant shrub for warm, dry areas within zones 7 to 11. Their feathery, light-green foliage lasts all year and is accented by an abundant display of brushy, pale-pink flowers from late winter until midsummer.
Outside, it can be formed into a handsome small shrub-like tree that grows to 4 feet tall. It is well known for its fuzzy pink-red flowers and delicate feathery leaves. A fine houseplant in cooler zones if given bright light, it also makes an excellent bonsai. For warm zones. Flowering in Spring and fall. May also be grown indoors in sunny location.
Hardy to five degrees outside, it may die back to ground, but will come back in spring.
Outside, it can be formed into a handsome small shrub-like tree that grows to 4 feet tall. It is well known for its fuzzy pink-red flowers and delicate feathery leaves. A fine houseplant in cooler zones if given bright light, it also makes an excellent bonsai. For warm zones. Flowering in Spring and fall. May also be grown indoors in sunny location.
Hardy to five degrees outside, it may die back to ground, but will come back in spring.
1A060 Baobab; Lemonade Tree; Monkeybread Tree ( Adonis digitata )
Only the most serious of tree collectors have these unusual trees. The huge trunk of this tree can reach 30' in diameter. Has large 6" hibiscus like flowers and foot long fruits filled with refreshing lemon flavored pulp. The leaves can be eaten like spinach. The trunks store considerable water, as much as 1,000 gallons have been tapped from one. However, if you do not have a half acre to plant one on, they make great bonsai.
3451 African Wisteria Tree ( Bolusanthus speciousus )
A slow growing tree to 20 ft. outside in warm climates, but also makes an excellent bonsai plant as well. Grey trunk, alternate pinnate leaves and violet flowers in racemes.
B1708 Incense Cedar ( Calocedrus decurrens )
A small pyramidal shaped cedar that is prized for its very fragrant leaves and wood. Easy to start from seeds. A very beautiful bonsai specimen.
3329 River She Oak ( Casuarina equisetifolia )
Also known as Hosretail She Oak. This is a small tree growing to perhaps 20 feet in its natural environment with a pendulous, drooping, normally open habit. Flowers are inconspicuous but these trees come in male and female forms and in spring the male trees can take on an attractive rusty hew from their pollen.
Fruit is a cone to about an inch in length. Used extensively as a seaside street or park planting this species is wind firm, salt tolerant and nitrogen fixing and consequently it is particularly useful in areas of poor sandy soil where it is a valuable windbreak and soil binder.
They are very hardy trees, drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant to any real degree so are best suited to warmer mediteranean or sub to fully tropical areas, we have seen in survive in zone 9.
This species also makes an excellent bonsai subject. Easy to propagate from seed and it can be grown in pots, tubs or indoors as a houseplant in colder climates.
Fruit is a cone to about an inch in length. Used extensively as a seaside street or park planting this species is wind firm, salt tolerant and nitrogen fixing and consequently it is particularly useful in areas of poor sandy soil where it is a valuable windbreak and soil binder.
They are very hardy trees, drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant to any real degree so are best suited to warmer mediteranean or sub to fully tropical areas, we have seen in survive in zone 9.
This species also makes an excellent bonsai subject. Easy to propagate from seed and it can be grown in pots, tubs or indoors as a houseplant in colder climates.
D2249 Carob Tree ( Ceratonia )
A beautiful small tree from the Mediterranean coasts. Has heavy, dark pinnate leaves and small red fruits. A very sturdy evergreen that is easily grown from seeds.
Image: By Tangopaso [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
B1749 Monterey Cypress ( Cupressus macrocarpa )
Bruised foliage has citronella-like smell. The conifer shape and small needle like leaves make this a natural bonsai choice.
D2219 Russian Olive ( Elaeagnus angustifolia )
Although its fruits are used in drinks and to make preserves, it is more sought after for its white shoots and silver undersides of leaves. Trains well.
A FEW BONSAI RELATED PAGES ON THE NET
Bonsai Clubs International
BCI is the foremost non-profit global organization of individuals
and clubs, which are dedicated to the education of people in bonsai.
The Gainesville,
FL, Bonsai Society
Image: By Sajansamuel at Malayalam Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
D4509 Weeping Ficus ( Ficus benjamina )
One of the most recognizable house plants grown today. Very economical and easy to grow from seed and easy to care for. A fast growing plant that can become a centerpiece. It is a bit fussy about needing bright, diffused light ( like next to a bright window, but not in direct sunlight ). Also, do not overwater, only water when top of soil is dry.
Many people know the Weeping ficus as a common office plant, because it is very low-maintenance and has air-purifying effects. Most plants improve air quality to some degree. The F. benjamina is particularly good at filtering formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Many people know the Weeping ficus as a common office plant, because it is very low-maintenance and has air-purifying effects. Most plants improve air quality to some degree. The F. benjamina is particularly good at filtering formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Image: Bijay chaurasia [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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D4513 Peepful Fig ( Ficus religiosa )
A beautiful house plant that will produce edible figs, however
they are mostly limited to making preserves. Lovely green
foliage on a twisting, spiraling stalk. Fast growing. Also makes for a wonderful bonsai.
3399 Cluster Fig Tree ( Ficus racemosa )
An evergreen tropical fig that can be grown as a bonsai.
This Ficus species can easy be recognized by the myriad of fruits that are hanging from its branches almost the whole year round.
This Ficus species can easy be recognized by the myriad of fruits that are hanging from its branches almost the whole year round.
Image: By Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA (Ginko (Ginko biloba)Uploaded by AlbertHerring) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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D2977 Ginko Biloba ( Maidenhair Fern )
A unique tree with a leaf shape unlike any other. Its nuts are regarded as a delicacy in the Orient. In fall the leaves turn a golden yellow. A favorite bonsai specimen.
B1735 Siberian Crabapple ( Malus baccata )
This tree is grown for both its fruit and its ornamental value. One of the few fruit varieties adapted for bonsai use. Fruits are red or yellow and about 1 cm in size. Also called Flowering Crabapple. Very hardy and easy to grow.
D2228 Common Olive ( Olea europaea )
An excellent bonsai specimen. A most useful tree that can be grown in any temperate
climate. It also can be grown in containers. The tree itself is
attractive and usually becomes gnarled with age. It bears the
olive of commerce that reach up to 1½" in dia. and are
filled with oil. The flowers are tiny and yellow, the foliage a
light grey-green.
Image: By Jeffrey O. Gustafson [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
D7874 Giant Sequoia ( Sequoia gigantea )
The world's largest living thing can actually be made into a bonsai! A giant tree capable of reaching over 250 ft. tall ( the famous General Sherman tree in California is 272 ft. tall with a 79 ft. measurement around the trunk ). An evergreen conifer that is fast growing and requires constant finger pruning.
By nature, this is a low germinating seed, expect about 15-20 percent germination.
By nature, this is a low germinating seed, expect about 15-20 percent germination.
Image:Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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JB162 Coast Redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens )
Another redwood that makes a great bonsai! The Coastal Redwood is the tallest tree in the world and can live for over 2,000 years. It is a densely branched evergreen conifer that grows to a height of 60 feet to 200 feet or more. The trunk of the tree flares at the base. It has a pyramidal shape with horizontal branches when young. As the tree ages, it becomes more conical and loses its lower branches. This tree is one of the fastest growing conifers and averages 3 feet per year. Many of the trees are protected in places such as the Redwood National Park, Muir Woods, and some of California's State Parks. It is a close relative to the Giant Redwood, and each is designated as the State Tree of California. It is a member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family.
The genus's name, Sequoia, is named in honor of the Native American Cherokee Chief Sequoyah. The epithet, sempervirens, means "evergreen."
It is native to Southwest Oregon to Central California in the moist, foggy, coastal plains along the Pacific Coast.
The Coastal Redwood prefers full sun or light dappled shade. It performs well in rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of wet soil, but it is intolerant to dry soil. This tree will grow best in cool, moist, coastal climates. It does not require pruning. It is propagated by seeds or root cuttings.
The bark is reddish-brown, hard, furrowed, and very thick. The leaves are needle-like, flat, spiral, two-ranked, green on the upper surface, and have two stomal bands on the underside of the needles. The small cones are hard and woody.
Zones 7a-9b.
The genus's name, Sequoia, is named in honor of the Native American Cherokee Chief Sequoyah. The epithet, sempervirens, means "evergreen."
It is native to Southwest Oregon to Central California in the moist, foggy, coastal plains along the Pacific Coast.
The Coastal Redwood prefers full sun or light dappled shade. It performs well in rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of wet soil, but it is intolerant to dry soil. This tree will grow best in cool, moist, coastal climates. It does not require pruning. It is propagated by seeds or root cuttings.
The bark is reddish-brown, hard, furrowed, and very thick. The leaves are needle-like, flat, spiral, two-ranked, green on the upper surface, and have two stomal bands on the underside of the needles. The small cones are hard and woody.
Zones 7a-9b.
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