Worthwhile material?

[GailC]

I have this Idaho locust in my side yard that needs some trimming this year and I'm thinking about trying air layers.

Is this something that might be decent for bonsai? It seems pretty twiggy at the ends but the leaves can get biggish.

Not a lot of info on locust bonsai but I'm hoping someone here can offer advice, especially about leaf reduction and root work.

I know the ones in the yard are tough as nails and they sucker. I've spent the better part of 5 years trying to get it under control.
Just when I think I've gotten most of it, I find another clump has came back with a vengeance.

It's been growing with very little care or water for 50+ years, suppose I would sucker too under those conditions.
http://www.atreeaday.com/atreeaday/Robinia_x_ambigua_Idahoensis.html

 

[aml1014]

I say go for it! I have a black locust that I put in the ground for a year (had to dig because of break up) and a purple robe locust that I keep around for the flowers in spring. Tough trees to work as bonsai, but Fun at the same time.

Aaron

 

[GailC]

I will go for it! I figured it might be similar to a wisteria, not the best material but pretty when in bloom and fun to mess with. How does your purple robe do in a pot? Have in pictures of it in bloom?

 

[aml1014]

I will go for it! I figured it might be similar to a wisteria, not the best material but pretty when in bloom and fun to mess with. How does your purple robe do in a pot? Have in pictures of it in bloom?

They both are doing great potted, prune Maybe twice at most during the season or they get bad dieback. Unfortunately no pics in bloom, but hopefully I get some this year, they always wake up super late.

Aaron