White Lead tree or mimosa

[Paul F.]

First, I'm only 90% sure this is a lead tree.. there are tons of them here in the Florida Keys. There are also Woman's tongue trees that have bigger leaves as well but are very similar. I guess this could be a mimosa too. I have chocolate mimosas growing now and it's almost identical except the leaves have chocolate coloresd edges. (See attached)

Anyway, I guess this is a two part question, first was the tree ID. Next part is what do I do with it?

I took this yamadori out of my friends yard about 3 months ago.. it was in bad shape but it's doing great now. All that growth is new. It's was pretty much bald when I got it.

Question is.. should I just let it grow out for a few months? Should I trim it now? Or better yet, is there something I can do now to make it a better tree in the long run. I haven't transplanted it into bonsai soil yet. I didn't think it was a good idea at the time so just put it in regular potting mix.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Paul

 

[Starfox]

Looks a lot like an Acacia dealbata youngster. If it is I would let it grow for a year or so then think about other work. Although get movement in while you can still bend the trunk.
It might not be but, young pea species have a tendency to look similar.

 

[Paul F.]

Looks a lot like an Acacia dealbata youngster. If it is I would let it grow for a year or so then think about other work. Although get movement in while you can still bend the trunk.
It might not be but, young pea species have a tendency to look similar.

I have a few acacia trees growing although very young. I have sweet acacias and umbrella thorn acacias both have thorns. Although similar I don't think it's an acacia but it could be. Does Acacia Delbata have thorns? Thanks for chiming in! Appreciate it.

 

[Starfox]

They don't have thorns no, and the juvenile leaves do differ from older growth. They are an Australian acacia though and not the African ones. Once they flower you will know for sure, then do some cutting back.

 

[Paul F.]

They don't have thorns no, and the juvenile leaves do differ from older growth. They are an Australian acacia though and not the African ones. Once they flower you will know for sure, then do some cutting back.

Will do, thanks!

 

[Paul F.]

SO what do I do with this tree? I've never wired a tree either but I want to learn.. Im not really sure what the end goal is though.

 

[Anthony]

To be frank for you, I would suggest - grow and clip
and maybe some attempts at a drawn design.

Try this shoot image dead on from the front.
Print and then take some tracing paper.
9b pencil and see what yo can create.

Helps, if possible to study a mature tree/s in nature.
Good Luck.
Anthony