Invasive learner trash tree; I know better, now.

[Desert O'Piñon]

I'm gonna get hate for this one, but it's fast-growing and easy to learn on. Plus, I probably can't kill it.

This has been ground grown for two years. (It popped up as a seedling under a stack of nursery pots, so the trunk movement was already established) You can see how much the internodes have shortened (from two internodes in three knuckles to 4 or 5 in two knuckles) from the first to the second year. I was very surprised. Also surprised at how quickly the bark started developing texture. While this will never be any grandiose specimen, I believe it can teach me a lot. Also, no other trees of this species will ever again be allowed to survive in my yard.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Much brain fog now from my meds. But ... am I missing the species mentioned above?

I need to get offline. The concentration is giving me a migraine. But I've read through your post...a couple times. I can't see the species listed. Or I truly hit the daft part from all the meds I'm taking while down sick.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Much brain fog now from my meds. But ... am I missing the species mentioned above?

I need to get offline. The concentration is giving me a migraine. But I've read through your post...a couple times. I can't see the species listed. Or I truly hit the daft part from all the meds I'm taking while down sick.

It's not you, it's me. LOL
I didn't state the species. Ailanthus altissima; It is the hated, vilified, reviled and cursed (and horribly named) "Tree of Heaven," as far as I can tell. Originally, I thought it was a species of Sumac, but I was able to rule those out.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Glad you rules out Sumac. The lake here on work day. Guys wear long sleeves to tackle the invasive species and remove it in areas that ones could come in contact with it. Like...for mowing. You don't want to rub up against it without a shirt on.

Tree of Heaven. I've heard of it. But...my brain is foggy there. I can't recall anything about it.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

It is beyond a pest tree. It flowers and seeds profusely. It grows anywhere (sidewalk cracks, parking lot islands on top of weedcloth, even in sides of buildings where the seeds get blown in and take root), has an extensive aggressive root system that suckers like crazy for years after you remove the tree, and tolerates a very wide range of heat/cold, light, and moisture conditions. It's kind of like the Hun army or the Roman Empire at its strongest era.
But it's growing habits aren't suited well for bonsai. Fairly large compound leaves with very long internodes. But I'm sure it will tolerate very aggressive root work.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

If I put this in a pond basket, will it develop nebari? I don't think it is possible, but any suggestions for improving ramification?