Sumac Literati?

[f1pt4]

This Tiger Eyes Sumac caught my eye today at a garden center, so I decided to pick it up. I chopped off it's head and removed about an 1.5" of soil from the top to find it's roots. It looks promising, but I have no experience with Sumac's except that I know they can be chopped back hard.

Over time do you think it has potential as a Literati or Bunjin? Any suggestions would be welcome. Currently it measures about 12" high and 3/4 - 1" base.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ColinFraser]

Looks like it has huge compound leaves - going to a be a challenge.

 

[f1pt4]

Looks like it has huge compound leaves - going to a be a challenge.

I was hoping through vigilant cutting back of growth and reducing it's root mass over time, the leaves might get smaller?

Found this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/grundlepuck/2961042750/

I'm thinking it could be clipped the same way as a Schefflera?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Just wondering, have you tried googling for examples of sumac bonsai yet?

 

[f1pt4]

Just wondering, have you tried googling for examples of sumac bonsai yet?

I have, and there isn't much, probably for a good reason. However I did come accross examples on Bill Valavanis's blog and the above flickr link, so I know training Sumac as a bonsai is at least do-able.

Nevertheless, I figured it would be worth a shot, where I might learn something in the process. Sumac's are native to my area, so at least it should over winter well.

 

[Potawatomi13]

A fan I am. A pretty leaved tree it is. Strongly suggest letting it get 4' tall at least I will because of big leaf size and a lot of interesting movement should you put in the trunk. A beautiful and interesting tree this can be one day. Height will little matter for this tree as few branches and small mass will it have.

 

[Tieball]

When I saw the post I thought you meant "poison" Sumac. I figured that was a gutsy move. Perhaps difficult to work on. Made me itch.

 

[f1pt4]

A fan I am. A pretty leaved tree it is. Strongly suggest letting it get 4' tall at least I will because of big leaf size and a lot of interesting movement should you put in the trunk. A beautiful and interesting tree this can be one day. Height will little matter for this tree as few branches and small mass will it have.

Now do you see it at 4', get rid of 2.5' and repeat? for taper and movement. End up after a decade of caring with a 4'+ tree?

Is it safe to assume Sumac's have one flush of leaves a year?

When I saw the post I thought you meant "poison" Sumac. I figured that was a gutsy move. Perhaps difficult to work on. Made me itch.

lol. Just a garden store special.

 

[Potawatomi13]

When reached is near height you wish 4' or so then develop what "final" branching is needed. Taper is little worry for Literati. Movement is to develop along the way and much needed. Part can be done with pruning/diverting branches. Too big of a hurry you were in to whack back. Study tree much first and think twice at least before cutting.

 

[dick benbow]

under the care of then curator,David De Groot, The Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Exhibit started off it's display of 50 or so bonsai with an olde juniper. The new curator for the Pacific Bonsai Museum, switched the juniper out last year for a staghorn sumac, and it really caught my attention. In fact so much so that I went out and purchased one to begin training it in a similar literati movement. Wiring had to be accomplished after the new growth hardened enough to prevent scars, so I think once you get the feel of the subject, you'll enjoy contributing to It's progress. I love the red "top knot" in the fall. My tree is about 14 inches tall, but at the museum, your looking at well over 3 feet. A picture of which is featured on PG 98 of De Groot's new book
principles of bonsai design.

 

[CWTurner]

The new curator for the Pacific Bonsai Museum

Hey, there's a job opening there!
CW

 

[aml1014]

Cool tree, I enjoy the flowers these guys produce.

 

[f1pt4]

Repotted.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Needing a bigger growing container you tree is. This will stunt and slow growth as it is.

 

[aml1014]

Repotted.

View attachment 104950

That came out looking really nice. I'd lose the stub on the trunk though, it distracts me from seeing the subtle movement there.

Aaron

 

[rhuarc]

Do you have an update for this? I have one about 8 - 10 years old with three main branches, each about 3/4" in diameter. All three have nice movement and could potentially work as literati after an air layer.
Thanks.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

F1pt4 Last seen Apr 27, 2020

 

[rhuarc]

F1pt4 Last seen Apr 27, 2020

Oh...forgot to check. So sad

 

[Wilson]

He is still very involved with bonsai, just hasn't been online.