Black Locust Yamadori?

[Attmos]

I ran into this poor guy the other day. I believe it's a Black Locust but I'm not 100%. I see them all the time in wet areas, in groves. They look like a weed tree but again... I just don't know.

So I was wondering if they make good bonsai, and if this poor guy is worth digging up.

 

[BonsaiManic]

...just checking...
Are you joking or serious?

 

[Attmos]

...just checking...
Are you joking or serious?

I guess I'm joking. I have no freaking idea what those things are called.

Do you?

 

[Cmd5235]

Looks like a honeysuckle

 

[Attmos]

Looks like a honeysuckle

Huh.... It does look like that.

Ok, I guess I'll just leave it in peace.

 

[BonsaiManic]

Well, it's definitely not a locust, as it would have compound leaves. I can't see the leaves exceptionally well, but it almost looks like there are three on the end of the stems. Leaves of three, leave them be...

 

[BonsaiManic]

There is a thread where someone was trying a poison ivy bonsai, though...

 

[Cmd5235]

Huh.... It does look like that.

Ok, I guess I'll just leave it in peace.

Not necessarily, I'd much rather have a good trunk on a honeysuckle instead of a black locust. Honeysuckle can make good bonsai.

 

[Attmos]

Well, it's definitely not a locust, as it would have compound leaves. I can't see the leaves exceptionally well, but it almost looks like there are three on the end of the stems. Leaves of three, leave them be...

It's not an Ivy. Here's a better picture of the leaves. All the leaves you see near the ground are from small shoots.

 

[Attmos]

There is a thread where someone was trying a poison ivy bonsai, though...

I saw that one. lol

 

[Attmos]

Not necessarily, I'd much rather have a good trunk on a honeysuckle instead of a black locust. Honeysuckle can make good bonsai.

I like the fact that the tree has been ripped half way out of the ground. That's how I'd pot it.

 

[BonsaiManic]

Ok, you're right, definitely not ivy.
@Cmd5235 is right; I've seen some pretty spectacular honeysuckle bonsai. Go for it - in season!

 

[BonsaiManic]

Also, the locusts are in the legume family. Many legumes do not tolerate root work well. This is why you won't find beans or peas for sale in a pot at garden centers; only seeds.
I have a honey locust, 3 years old from seed, but itcwas planted before I learned this. But I'm still going to try. I'm bending the trunk now, and will try repotting this winter.

 

[Attmos]

Also, the locusts are in the legume family. Many legumes do not tolerate root work well. This is why you won't find beans or peas for sale in a pot at garden centers; only seeds.
I have a honey locust, 3 years old from seed, but itcwas planted before I learned this. But I'm still going to try. I'm bending the trunk now, and will try repotting this winter.

Nice! I actually was able to root a Honey Locust this year though I haven't seen any development on top yet.

I say Why Not!? It's good practice if nothing else.

Have you posted anything on it?

 

[Attmos]

Ok, you're right, definitely not ivy.
@Cmd5235 is right; I've seen some pretty spectacular honeysuckle bonsai. Go for it - in season!

"In season"... I know I can't work on it now, but should I do it in the winter or spring?

 

[BonsaiManic]

From what I've learned, late winter or early spring, whenever the buds start swelling is the best time.

 

[BonsaiManic]

Haven't posted anything yet. I think I'll just make 1 thread to document all my trees...
...maybe.