Silver poplar?
- Thread starter GailC
- Start date
Wilson
Masterpiece
Poplar are usually similar to birch, they are short lived softwoods. The truth is I have a couple in the garden, I love the way their leaves move in the wind. I would grab one, and see what you can do with it. No harm in trying! Enjoy!
coh
Imperial Masterpiece
I had a poplar of some type (maybe even cottonwood, not sure...haven't bothered to try to make a positive ID yet) volunteer in my growing bed. I let it go for a couple of years and it has developed a decent lower trunk. I'm probably going to try to dig it in the spring and see what can be done with it. I have noticed that some type of borer likes it, there has been a fair amount of digging but so far the tree isn't showing any ill effects.
aml1014
Masterpiece
I don't have silver poplar but I have quite a few cottonwoods. I actually really like them, I've been working one pretty hard since the spring and the leaves and internodes are tiny already. They also grow fast, and I like to keep busy.
Aaron
Aaron
aml1014
Masterpiece
aml1014
Masterpiece
It's a western cottonwood (populus fremontii).
I also have a few Lance leaf cottonwoods which is a hybrid between the narrow leaf, and the plains cottonwoods.
Aaron
just.wing.it
Deadwood Head
Tulip poplar grow like weeds in my yard.
I'm letting one go, on the side in the house, check on it in a few years, chop it, it worthy....
I'm letting one go, on the side in the house, check on it in a few years, chop it, it worthy....
aml1014
Masterpiece
These have huge leaves and long internodes when you let them grow, here's my other one.
They just take A LOT of pruning to keep small.
Aaron
aml1014
Masterpiece
Not sure I understand your question.
I have a few cuttings that I could send you but they're pretty small, I'd be glad to send you one of the larger 4"+ cuttings I'm planning on taking next spring. I've already got my eyes on some nice branches lol
Aaron
The leaf buds on the blacks have a red sap inside, if you squeeze them it oozes out. Looks like blood and is damn near impossible to get off your skin, smells real nice though. http://www.wildernesscollege.com/cottonwood-salve.html
I'd love to get a cutting next spring. I'm always up for native species from different areas. Maybe I can hunt up a nice black for you in trade?
I'd love to get a cutting next spring. I'm always up for native species from different areas. Maybe I can hunt up a nice black for you in trade?
augustine
Chumono
If possible join a club and find some decent material. Don't know what you have there but maybe a club can arrange some digs for suitable material. I imagine it's cold up there but one thing that comes to mind is Amur maple which makes a good bonsai. Maybe it can be found in a local nursery but certainly on-line. or find other cold hardy species.
It is difficult and time consuming enough to develop a deciduous bonsai from raw material from a suitable species much less a large leaved coarse tree with long internodes.
I imagine this post will draw fire but I do not expect to see a good bonsai from these species or some of the others that have been posted lately. You don't see the experienced members on this forum touting these odd-ball species.
I don't care if you are 19 years old, spend your time with decent material. Time is shorter than you think.
It is difficult and time consuming enough to develop a deciduous bonsai from raw material from a suitable species much less a large leaved coarse tree with long internodes.
I imagine this post will draw fire but I do not expect to see a good bonsai from these species or some of the others that have been posted lately. You don't see the experienced members on this forum touting these odd-ball species.
I don't care if you are 19 years old, spend your time with decent material. Time is shorter than you think.
aml1014
Masterpiece
I'm 22 and have plenty of very high quality material.
My poplar are more so of experiments, which I've proved quite a few people wrong on quite a few things about them.
For instance, they have big leaves and long internodes, I've changed that quite drastically in only one year.
I've actually had my teacher who was a student of Ben Oki tell me a year ago that they are worthless and no good for bonsai. Last week she saw mine and literally was mad at herself for giving up! She said "good job Aaron, you proved us wrong!"
To here that from a women with 50 years of experience, tells me something.
One question, have you ever tried a poplar and ACTUALLY gave it a chance? Probably not, just like many others.
I'd love to post a pic of my tree but it's been growing out for a few weeks to gain energy for winter. I'll pot an update on my thread of the tree though.
I'll continue to use this "trash tree" as many call it, and I'll continue to enjoy it!
Happy bonsai
Aaron
augustine
Chumono
My reply was directed to the OP.
I have plenty of other "suitable" species, including a few amur. For me, bonsai is a hobby, something to enjoy. Its not a way of life, nor am I interested in producing show trees. I just want attractive trees that I enjoy, if that means using uncommon species then so be it.
augustine
Chumono
Gail C,
I only answered your question, "What do you think about it?" I thought you were asking for advice/opinions? I was only offering mine, not attacking you or anyone else.
I only answered your question, "What do you think about it?" I thought you were asking for advice/opinions? I was only offering mine, not attacking you or anyone else.
