Iron Wood Progress

Hello, I would like to share my progression so far with a tree I collected three years ago. I've been training it in the ground during that time (clip and grow only) and just potted it a couple weeks ago. I have a long way to go with the canopy and dead wood. Styling thoughts and pot suggestions are welcome.

Kind regards.

Interesting trunk configuration.

When you say Ironwood, that's a very common name. Do you mean Hornbeam or HopHornbeam?

HopHornbeam as far as I can tell. I'll post another picture as the leaves break this spring.

Matt

The bark is very hophornbeam-like.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-81.pdf

I found this pdf online. It seems this species should be quite suitable for larger bonsai. My only concern in terms of the esthetics is leaf size. Does anyone have experience with this species to know if a ramified canopy will reduce the size of the leaf?

Matt

I don't have any now (haven't seen any growing up here in the foothills) but I had several in Tallahassee. All shohin size. Leaves were fine.

Good news. Thanks Jim. Hope you are well.

Nice development! What's the current height of the tree?

Looking forward to updates...should be a nice tree.

(P.S. I posted something on your old thread about the autumn olive...hope you'll respond!)

Thank you Coh. It currently stands at approximately 32" which is a bit too tall. I'll reduce the height next winter.

mattlinsin wrote:HopHornbeam as far as I can tell. I'll post another picture as the leaves break this spring.

Matt

It's definitely hophornbeam. They're harder to collect than hornbeam, so congratulations on a great specimen. The leaves reduce well, and you'll get excellent ramification with diligent pinching.

Zach

Hi Mattlin sin rất tiếc bạn đã để thân cây hơi cao và ngọn cây cũng đã phát triển cao quá vùng tạo dáng, đành phải tận dụng lại một phần đã có sẵn, theo tôi nghĩ có thể sẽ như hình tôi vẽ . chỉ là vấn đề tham khảo, nếu bạn không thích.

Zach - Thank you.

Tap Pi Lu Tôi đồng ý. Cây là quá cao và tôi sẽ làm giảm chiều cao. Tại thời điểm này tôi không chắc chắn bao nhiêu. Tôi sẽ đưa bạn vẽ vào xem xét. Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều vì suy nghĩ của bạn.

No branches lost and buds are popping with vigor.

Most definitely Hophornbeam. Have fun!

From my reading I have noted that Ostrya is still a tough transplant for the first time out of the field, just did a forest planting with them, so I will baby it for this year and allow it to grow strong and free. I have however read that they are not as fussy as Carpinus coming out of the ground but it's still recomended to go easy on them for the first year.

Leaves will reduce well, better than American Hornbeam.
-Jay

PS... Awesome dig hole! Thats how you do it man!

All dressed for spring. I know I need to reduce the hight, but how much? The the impatient side of me says don't reduce it too much, but the realistic side says I'll have to find/create a new apex a bit farther down.

My impatient side agrees with you
Btw, is most right trunk dead?

Yes, the trunk on the right is dead. I'll probably work on the dead wood after I have a better designed canopy. I need one of those sand-blaster boxes i've seen a few people using.

You dont have to use a sand blaster. You can also apply conventional methods.

Looking good. I am looking forward to following its progression.

If mine is indeed hop hornbeam I am even more nervous about its survival this spring. I am keeping my fingers crossed.