Need help identifying these Junipers

[jcarl904]

Hello everyone,
I recently got into bonsai and it has changed the way I see the world, there's so much potential everywhere I look.
I'm simply amazed at what you all do.
I've been looking around for material and found these on a discount shelf at a nursery, but they had no labels and the lady didn't know what kind of junipers they were. Would someone identify these for me?

 

[vaibatron]

I'm usually not a greeter, those duties are better done by mr. Sorce, but welcome to the Nuthouse, Crazy, Shitshow, whatever you want to call it!

The first two in the first picture appear to be Shimpaku, while the second picture is probably sargentii.

Best advice is to read everything you can from the archives and resource pages here and elsewhere, buy some material and get your hands dirty. Most importantly, don't be afraid to fail!

 

[jcarl904]

Thank you for answering so quickly, I'm definitely reading up and gathering information.
Are the first 2 are "Itoigawa"? They're very bright green. If not, where or who can I buy Itoigawas from?
This is awesome again thank you.

 

[garywood]

J, check Tam juniper

 

[sorce]

Agent904
I can't identify those.....but my
"Don't be afraid" for you.....

Don't be afraid to Identify the Characters here. Some are funny, and they will come soon, because "you built it"!
(Oh, and we are here already!)
Some are funny and helpful.
Some are serious and helpful.
Some are vast pools of deep knowledge.
And more, and every mix of all!

Once you identify these folks......
Some will recommend you do things that sound ludacris.....and they will be right!

When 4 people or more get to recommended a path for your tree....
It is good information.....

We try to promote a righteous attitude.

We like to play....and fight!

With near no supervision but from our own good souls!
And This remains The best Place to chat bonsai on the Net.

Hence!

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[jcarl904]

Thanks for your input garywood, but they don't look like a Tam. Here's close up

Thanks for the heads up and warm welcome Sorce.

 

[Cypress187]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[GrimLore]

Are the first 2 are "Itoigawa"? They're very bright green.

The first two look to be Itoigawa not just because of the color but also the type of growth the foliage has. It would help if you would please add your location in your profile as certain types of plants are easier to obtain in different areas.

Welcome to B-Nut!

I find it interesting they did not know what they are but knew what to price them at

Grimmy

 

[johng]

not itoigawa...juvenile plant with no juvenile foliage....highly unlikely. Looks like just regular old shimpaku or similar...

not bad material with a little wire and little time...

 

[GrimLore]

Looks like just regular old shimpaku or similar...

Shimpaku have far darker and thicker dense growth, clumps. I just don't see Shimpaku there.

Maybe we can get @Brian Van Fleet in on this one!

No disrespect John, but I see different in those two then you.

Grimmy

 

[johng]

Shimpaku have far darker and thicker dense growth, clumps. I just don't see Shimpaku there.

Maybe we can get @Brian Van Fleet in on this one!

No disrespect John, but I see different in those two then you.

Grimmy

I don't think you can judge by color...too many variables...from health to bad pics
I think the growth is very close...my only doubt is the tall thin habit it appears to have(although the ones I have in the ground, untrained, have very similar growth habits).
These don't seem as course as some of the more popular landscape varieties with scale foliage...
It is always hard to know for sure even when the plant is in hand!

 

[sorce]

Thanks for the heads up

You are currently dealing with some of our most well respected members.

With that, it is in good hands that I leave you.....till these get all done up!

Whatever they are.....they are better material than mine....and most!

Cheers!

Sorce

 

[jcarl904]

Thanks everybody for your feedback, very much appreciated.
Here's an update...

I practiced wiring on some Nanas before the Shimpakus, they were easier to manipulate... I'm still hoping they're Itoigawas.

 

[sorce]

I'm still hoping they're Itoigawas.

Forgive me....

I'm still on a racing analogy kick from HarleyCamaros thread......

But this...the quoted .....

Is like racing an Indy car around a dope ass track all by yourself with no traffic, allowing you to just speed around all over and do whatever you want till your heart's content, having an absolute blast and loving every minute of it....

Then when you step out of the car....
you realize it's not the color you thought it was.....

And that fact somehow kills all your excitement and enjoyment?
Hell no!

A dope ass tree is a dope ass tree!

Love it!

Sorce

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I think the two junipers in your first photo are Kishu. They're not Itoigawa.
Bear in mind, these are showing winter colors, so focus more on the shape and texture of the foliage.
Itoigawa:

Kishu:

Shimpaku:

 

[GrimLore]

I think the two junipers in your first photo are Kishu. They're not Itoigawa.

Thank you, my eye was drawn to the growth on the far most branch on the left along with the color. The rest of the foliage does look Kishu as you pointed out. It forever bugs me when many call all three some "Shimpaku" but that is just me...

Grimmy

 

[jcarl904]

Awesome pics Brian, I read your online article about their differences too.
Thanks for the input Sorce, dope ass little trees indeed.

Love it!

 

[johng]

It forever bugs me when many call all three some "Shimpaku" but that is just me...

Less than a decade ago that is all there was in the Western bonsai world...shimpaku!

 

[JoeR]

It really could be just a regular chinese juniper, not a named cultivar. I see 'chinese junipers' for sale often at non-bonsai nurseries.

 

[GrimLore]

Less than a decade ago that is all there was in the Western bonsai world...shimpaku!

Honest I was not referencing what you said, just the general description that bothers "me". Each of the three species all are from different places, have different growth, and most important to me each has a unique and sometimes brutal history. I know I am "into" all that a bit much for many but I want to know exactly what I am looking at for those reasons. Just me and nothing to do with anyone else and I am grateful for Brian who has studied them and shows a similar interest in those aspects.

Grimmy