This is the first juniper I fell for on my previous visit to Meiss Meadow.
Twisty Sierra juniper
It’s one of the twistiest specimens I know of. The deadwood is great.
Deadwood detail
From some angles it’s difficult to tell if the trunk line is coming or going.
So many twists
How large is this specimen?
Posing with a great juniper
When approaching the tree from below, it’s easy miss the great curves.
The twisty juniper from below
The sheer variety of fun trees at Meiss Meadow is hard to overstate.
A profusion of trunks and deadwood
A relatively straightforward juniper with bonsai-sized companion at its base
Another twisting juniper
The tree below would make an interesting bonsai.
Fun movement
The same tree from the side
Another tree brought a big smile. This long juniper took advantage of shelter at its base and found a nice perch for its foliage about 20 feet away.
The Snake
Looking up, some of the larger trees sported branches that resembled cascade or semi-cascade bonsai.
A beautiful old branch
Looking down on some of the larger trees with dieback near the apex reminded me of the form some of the older bristlecone pines can take.
Two large junipers
Among my favorites were these two giants.
A pair of giants
That’s it for this trip to the Sierra Nevada – next week it’s back to bonsai!
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Luis Cana says
Amazing, as usual!
All the best, Luis
zack Clayton says
Even tho you didn’t get a lot of comments on this series, it is inspiring to be reminded what timberline trees really look like. It places some of Kimura’s extreme work in context. And not all deadwood is bone white, even at the timberline, where the example is always cited.
Mac says
Thanks Jonas. Us folks in the east don’t get to see such spectacular trees and your making them accessible is appreciated. I can tell you there is nothing like that growing in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mac says
And I forgot to add. I haven’t given up looking in the Blue Ridge for that one bald that isn’t in a Federal or State protected area that access to may be had.
Chris Cochrane says
Easier to appreciate passion for bonsai as trees in nature humble us in their grandeur. Thanks sincerely for your sharing, Jonas.
Dave Martin says
Thanks Jonas. I know that I will never get to see these giant in the flesh. Thank you for sharing.