ID this please?
- Thread starter GailC
- Start date
armetisius
Chumono
I would suggest bird's nest spruce; however, since the spruce family
does not grow here I am only going by what I have seen pictures of.
does not grow here I am only going by what I have seen pictures of.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
I'd guess Englemann spruce given your location.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
The Engelmann spruce is a good choice for the area but a Bird's nest would do good there and exhibits short shrub like growth.
Birds nest - picture a few minutes ago. Looks like that one needs more sun is all. Our Spruce do best in Full Sun. Slow growth, very supple branches, would be a monster to Bonsai - nice in the landscape though.
Grimmy
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
It's unclear if the tree posted by GailC is in the wild or an ornamental growing in a garden. From the background, I assumed it is a native plant.
Birds Nest spruce (picea abies 'nidiformis') a form of Norway Spruce isn't native to North America.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c383
Birds Nest spruce (picea abies 'nidiformis') a form of Norway Spruce isn't native to North America.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c383
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
I'd vote birds nest then.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I was going by the type of growth and the sizes Gail quoted. The one I showed is roughly 1/2 the size but they both have the same characteristics. An Engelmann and most any Spruce Tree would be very unusual at 3 feet wide and 18 inches tall because of the top growth habits. The Bird's Nest however grows like a shrub, short and wide. At 3 feet wide that one is most likely 10 or so years old.
Grimmy
Grimmy
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
In my mind there is no doubt that it is one of the dwarf forms of Norway Spruce.
I wonder if I can talk home depot into letting me dig one lol. They have nice big trunks already.
Engelmann are native here but they aren't very attractive, pretty ragged looking most of the time. If I was going to bonsai a full sized spruce, I would go with a blue.
Engelmann are native here but they aren't very attractive, pretty ragged looking most of the time. If I was going to bonsai a full sized spruce, I would go with a blue.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Most Spruce including the Blue can and often are difficult for many reasons. You might want to refer to a quick rundown on them before you "jump in" on any variety. I am not saying it is not possible but there are a lot of "make it or break it" rules even just growing them. Here is a realistic article, short read, good information. I can say at least in my area it is pretty darn accurate - http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATPiceaPruningstylingandwiring.htm
Grimmy
Thank you for the link, I shall read it all. I'm really iffy on trying spruce as is, in fact I'm not big on any conifer but I'm trying to find a tree the will go well with a old brown pot that came from a family member. Maybe I should just buy a big ugly juniper shrub instead.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
If you get a Juniper plan on it staying in the Nursery pot at least a year before potting it and when you do make sure you ask or read a lot on Juniper potting/repotting. I think you might be more pleased with and have better long term results with a Pine that grows good outdoors in your region. Junipers take a bit of a learning curve - I would highly recommend getting a few small ones from a big box store and grow them 3-4 seasons first. If a couple die it is far less of an investment loss and with proper notes you will learn why. Just trying to help you have success while stumbling through the sometimes complex journey.
Grimmy
I've tried juniper in the past, they always die on me hence me not liking them all that well. I really don't like pine trees, not at all attractive to me. The only exception are hemlock or tamarack. I'm really hoping I can find a nice stunted hemlock on top of a mountain this year. Still too much snow to go hunting yet
All advice is welcome, saves me wasted time and money.
All advice is welcome, saves me wasted time and money.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Lot of options, lot of fruit trees in particular. Linden, some Hawthorn, Beech, Oak and more. Nice!
Grimmy
I plan on getting a JM later this year but I do like oaks. They are hard to get started here but once established they are tough. I have ordered some pink silk trees and a variegated silverberry. Also thinking about a dwarf lilac, they are everywhere here and I often find whole clumps at the city dump.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
We used to have those when we had acreage and kept them away from the house. On this side of the mountains they attract way to many bees
Grimmy
