How about Buckthorn as bonsai (Rhamnus cathartica)

Buckthorn has become invasive here in my neck of the woods and I have to root some big-uns out come spring. Do they make good bonsai bushes? Anyone have experience with them?

Looks to me that they can be. Got these pics from a google search.

That first one looks like firethorn...pyracantha.

??????????????

crust said:

Buckthorn has become invasive here in my neck of the woods and I have to root some big-uns out come spring. Do they make good bonsai bushes? Anyone have experience with them?

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To dig up an old thread, in my research, I found this post. Wondering if anyone has tried this bush since the thread. I have been looking since I asked about Buffaloberry. My local nursery was out of buffaloberry, but had Sea Buckthorn, in appearance, not too dissimilar. Hardy to USDA zone 2. I picked one up any way. Gotta love fall sales!

Sea Buckthorn is
Hippophae rhamnoides

Crust was asking about the genus Rhamnus, an entirely different creature. I have zero experience with either species. K. Murata in his 4 Seasons of Bonsai book has an image of Rhamnus as bonsai, so that species has been used at least once in Japan. I vaguely remember reading there were some issues about pruning, not all leaves have dormant buds at the base, but since I had not tried one, nor had the desire to, I didn't pay attention.

I don't know anything about Hippophae.

Hiphopanonymous?

Here's one, not the greatest pics.

I see young ones all the time with 3-4 inch leaves. This one is old, Probly always has a root in water, and is well ramified. The leaves are 3/4-inch.



The foilage on these when mature is very pretty and delicate.


I love working with these.
It's illegal to propagate them, but ok to have. Invasive. Everywhere.
Black roots. White flowers. Berries.
(that must be destroyed) whatever.

I collected this one this spring, sprouted into a raft so ok, long term but fun project.
I may carve up the thick old continuation of the old tree.
As it is mostly sharid up the back.
Or let it play main tree of it cooperates.
All the shoots are this years.
Having been battling an infestation of a UNIDENTIFIED pest that is just underside of leaves, small oval flat disc, this two big shoots just recently shot out to about 3ft.



If all goes well, I will keep the sizing as such which is staying quite pleasingly unbalanced.
Letting them all grow for a year or 2 more be for cutting back for taper.
With subsequent chops for further movement and taper.
Then branches.

If you have not seen this from Bill V.
That was at the Midwest Bonsai Society show last month. And the photo from 1983.

This is now serving as my inspiration for this tree.

@William N. Valavanis this is such an excellent reminder of what it means to remain dedicated, I just love it! Thank you so much for being you!

@crust Did you ever start any?

Sorce

Wow! Bills tree is impressive!
Thanks for the post Sorce.

PierreR said:

Bills tree is impressive!

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There are many adjectives to describe that tree.
Posted Everywhere, even if not an adjective, is one of them!

Sorce

Well Damn.

I found 2 OLD ass Rhamnus in the park.
Peep the DW.
That's the other top right, almost 2ft across these guys!

This live vein was baseball bat thick, you can see the live underside vein too.

And the wicked bark!

Another dope LV.


I'm an advocate.

These trees are badass!

Sorce

Hey Source, I knew I had seen buckthorn used as bonsai. This is a Buckthorn at the 2014 Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society Show. The photo is not mine, and I neglected to record the name of the photographer when I downloaded this picture in 2014. Saved the pic, because I had not seen many examples of buckthorn being used. This is not a very old tree, the display label says the tree is estimated to be 20 years old and has been in training 3 years. Owner of this tree is the ponderosa pine guru - Larry Jackal. I would contact Larry directly to get his experience with buckthorn, and inquiry to the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society, they should be able to give you his contact info, he is a very active member there.