Bald Cypress Forest Bonsai
Bald cypress make for unique bonsai because of the shape and foliage.
Bald cypress forest bonsai. For those of you who have been following my blog for the past few years you probably recall seeing this bald cypress forest that was left to me by my late bonsai friend allen gautreau. Presented as a grove of several individual trees the bald cypress s delicate lime green foliage beautifully contrasts its cherry colored bark. The bald cypress is native to the southern states of the usa mexico and guatemala. Bald cypress bonsai are frequently planted in groups in a single container forming a bonsai forest or grove.
These trees are outdoor bonsai that need a dormant season to stay alive. The bark is fibrous and has a reddish brown color with small flat ridges and shallow furrows. I got about forty cypress from him for a central florida bonsai club program taught by the amazing rick jeffery. Cypress forest by ed trout if you don t have access to yamadori cypress seedlings and nursery stock or a combination are perfect for creating bald cypress forests.
Collected in winter 2020 this is an unusual specimen that should make a unique bald cypress bonsai. Bald cypress is a long lived deciduous wetland species that grows along rivers streams and creeks as well as in swamps with slow moving water. The base is broader from the front view 4 5 4 5 above the soil than the side 3 5 3 5 above the soil surface but the flaring root on the left hand side helps the tree make a statement. You would too give him a visit if you re in the area.
This species naturally grows in wet swampy soils and the same should be used for bonsai purposes. The bald cypress bonsai t axodium distichum is especially popular for use as bonsai in the swampy areas of the southeastern united states where it is common in the wild. It is a legendary tree of the deep south known for its knees moss draped crown and buttressed trunk. Sku k6999 the bald cypress grows in many areas of florida and louisiana particularly in swampy areas and is the only tree that can grow thrive in water.
It is worth noting that the forest started out life as nine trees. Care guide for the bald cypress bonsai tree the bald cypress is a tall tree with reddish brown bark and soft needle shaped leaves which develop a nice auburn colour in autumn before they fall off along with some of the smaller twigs. This is the earliest photo i have of the forest which allen did a great job putting together and maintaining. I know him and like him.
It can live up to 600 years old. The bald cypress has been designated the official tree of the state of louisiana.