When is an elm not an elm?

[Joe Dupre']

When it's a red maple. I found this curvy specimen in mid-winter with a few dried up leaves way up in the canopy. I THOUGHT it was an elm.........until it started putting out scarlet red leaves. Red maples are not the best candidates for bonsai, but this thing is so vigorous, I'm going to give it a shot. I pinched off about a dozen sprouts and left only one vigorous one per location. It's a bit over 2" diameter at the base.

 

[leatherback]

Nice elm!

 

[GGB]

I've heard the southern variety/sub species makes far better bonsai than the northern eco-type. I'd definitely stick with it

 

[just.wing.it]

Hell yeah man!
That's cool.
Its probably a hybrid (wild seed) off of an Acer Rubrum.....or a similar hybrid.

Definitely give it a shot......I think these trees have more potential than people like to give them.