Which Bald cypress (Taxodium distichium) would you choose and why?

[Yamamomiji]

Dear forum,

I've been looking a longer time now for a bald cypress as I like their appearance and habit.
Certainly they are not native to Central Europe but moreover, unluckily, also not that widely popular.

As my local nurseries seldomly sell them I've been looking around online and found some candidates.
Now, as I am not that experienced in this species for now, general Bonsai knowledge certainly present, I might ask if you have any particular hints, which of these would be ideal to develop for the next 5 - 10 years?
I prefer a formal upright or otherwise slanting or informal upright would be fine too I guess.









My thoughts:

1. good size and trunk, promising nebari. Leader aims for flat top style, possible inverse taper on current chop may lead to another (slanted chop).
2. way bigger on trunk size (nearly twice), no real details due to foliage recognisable, nebari unknown.
3. finished appearance, but quite thin trunk (4 cm), muddled nebari, nervous last 1/3 of the apex with multiple bends. Lowest branch could be used as a sacrifical, apex chopped to continue formal upright line.
4. roughest look but possible best raw material to further develop. Good basal flare, good size and proportions. Informal upright design could be continued with one leader already in place to build apex.

Dawn redwoods would be my other choice due to similar appearance but I still like the bald cypress' foliage and habitus more (nearly impossible to overwater, knees, etc.).

Greatly appreciate your feedback!

 

[Michael P]

Your analysis of what is good and bad for each tree is correct. #2 makes me think the seller is concealing something. Suggestion: find some photos of bald cypress that you really like, then buy the tree that most closely resembles them.

 

[doc spring _work]

Analysis seems good.

I like #1, if you follow @Cajunrider 's Thread 'Species Study - Taxodium distichum' https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/species-study-taxodium-distichum.54918/

He demonstrates some fantastic techniques.

For me #1 has the start of fluting that I most enjoy from the species, a bit of carving on the top should solve the inverse taper and trunk splitting at the base to widen would work fantastic.

But I do think Micheal is right, take some time to study some mature photos to determine what it is you appreciate the most about the species then seek out a tree with those features.

 

[Yamamomiji]

Many thanks for your replies.
I will dive into the recommended thread and explore some more wisdom.

Upon decision, I will gladly report and hope for the start of something exciting!

 

[coachspinks]

I agree that you should look at pictures of bald cypress bonsai and pick the one that has the best path to looking similar to that tree. 1 has potential but it will need to develop fluting. That is helped by putting the pots in water during the growing season. However, there is no taper in #1 or #2 and that is a problem for me. I think some carving and new leader may help #1. My personal favorite is #4. I like the movement and taper. I think there is a nice flat top BC waiting to be developed.

 

[HENDO]

#4 for sure - best nebari and movement. Chop it ~2/3 up and you'll have a strong start

 

[rockm]

One and four. The other two are mostly junk. Ones too thin the other is a telephone pole. A lot of work for both to get anywhere and what comes out the other end won’t match the potential of the other two

The other two have some character, base and a bit of movement. Forget about existing branching on any of these. It’s easily replaced for better judge trunks not branching

 

[Cmd5235]

4. Movement on the trunk is solid but graceful. If I had to pick one, no doubt there. If you don’t go with that one, send me the link and I’ll buy it.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

One and four. The other two are mostly junk. Ones too thin the other is a telephone pole. A lot of work for both to get anywhere and what comes out the other end won’t match the potential of the other two

The other two have some character, base and a bit of movement. Forget about existing branching on any of these. It’s easily replaced for better judge trunks not branching

This is the correct answer. @Yamamomiji The branches on these trees won't be the branches you have in five years. They grow really fast & you'll develop ones to fit your design. I like #4 with the trunk movement, but they all look decent. If they're as rare you say, buy as many as you can. That's what I did.

 

[Cajunrider]

4 is the best for me. The others require more work and time.

 

[Yamamomiji]

4 is the best for me. The others require more work and time.

Thank you for your comment.
I hoped you would tune in.
So my instinct was about right to decide.
Meanwhile another slightly smaller twin of #4 appeared:



So I guess I would aim for a flat top with #4 (got some good ideas from pictures) and wait to find another one as a formal upright at a later point.
Thank you so much for all contributions.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Number four has best beginning for basal taper that is one of two most desirable Bald Cypress characters. The other is knees.