Sassafras, atherosperma moschatum

[Gerard]

Hi I was visiting Will Fletcher in Hobart looking for a good workshop tree for next years AABC convention (Australian native). I found this species to be interesting but have never seen them as bonsai. Has anyone played with this species?

[Gerard]

CB5616E9-E44A-4C31-B072-36AA34A1B6E7.jpeg

repotted and basic wire

[Rory]

That's cool Gerard. I like it.

[Gerard]

Thanks Rory, still a lot to learn and a bit of "wait to see if it likes my house after this hard prune.
This is a cooler climate rain forest species, typically conical in shape peeking through the forest canopy. Will need some shelter in summer I expect.

[jarryd]

Hi Gerard.

I have a few, they seem very hardy and back bud well after work. You assumption about protection from summer sun is correct. They will tolerate it but yellow off which is somewhat unsightly. flowering is in early spring on last years growth so be sure not to prune to late in the season. flowers are simple yet very beautiful.

[MJL]

I like that too. I am looking forward to seeing it develop.

Actually as I look at it - a design question comes to mind.

Re: Multi-trunk designs - is it true to say that - after a twin trunk deign (ie more than two trunks) .... odd numbers are the aim or ... it is just whatever looks good aesthetically? I guess 'rules' are meant to be broken but I thought I'd ask. The questions was triggered by what looks like a fourth trunk being developed on the left had side of this photo.

Cheers in advance for any thoughts - purely for my guidance, I reckon this tree is looking good.

[Gerard]

I like that too. I am looking forward to seeing it develop.

Actually as I look at it - a design question comes to mind.

Re: Multi-trunk designs - is it true to say that - after a twin trunk deign (ie more than two trunks) .... odd numbers are the aim or ... it is just whatever looks good aesthetically? I guess 'rules' are meant to be broken but I thought I'd ask. The questions was triggered by what looks like a fourth trunk being developed on the left had side of this photo.

Cheers in advance for any thoughts - purely for my guidance, I reckon this tree is looking good.

There is actually a very small fifth trunk, yes odd numbers are easier to to make a balanced composition but always revert to what you think looks good. There will always be grey areas where you might call branches trunks or trunks branches, so there is no need to get caught up in the counting argument. I often include a twin trunk in a group planting to sort out those who try to count trunks.