The Sierra juniper, Juniperus occidentalis, is found in pockets throughout the Sierra Nevada. When exposed to particularly harsh conditions like those found at tree line – the elevation above which no trees can grow – junipers can display krummholz. Krummholz is the phenomenon whereby trees are dwarfed or contorted by the elements. Among the many varieties […]
Sierra juniper
Deadwood and movement
The most compelling aspects of bonsai are often out of our control. This is true for both deadwood and movement – a tree either has them or it doesn’t. While hand-carved deadwood and manufactured movement can be both beautiful and artistic, it’s hard to compete with nature. Branch on a dead lodge pole pine When […]
An unusual collected juniper
If the collected Sierra juniper below tells a story, I’m not sure what to make of it. Nicknamed, “hermaphrodite,” the tree received a lot of attention at Bay Island Bonsai’s recent exhibit. The deadwood and shari are interesting, but not without controversy. Discussion often involves whether or not the primary branch is necessary. For now […]