AusBonsai

These seedlings pop up at my place, being new to S.A. I am unfamiliar with the local flora so it may be an easy ID and quiet common.I have attached a photo of the seedling and what I believe may the the source.The seedling was growing under a dense shrub in a very shaded area, this is why the leaves look weak.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hello PWC,

Cotoneaster - unsure of the species.

Unfortunately not a native.
However, they can be transformed into excellent bonsai.

Kevin

Kevin wrote:Cotoneaster - unsure of the species.

Thanks Kevin,
Might be worth a try with this one then.

Definitely Cotoneaster species. Many species are environmental weeds in Australia so we get seedlings all through the bush, roadsides and gardens near human habitation. Birds love those bright berries and spread the seeds.

Smaller leaved species are better for bonsai but the larger leaved species grow faster and tend to be the weedier ones. Always good to play with hardy species, especially if they are free.
Also look around for larger ones with thicker trunks that you may be able to dig. They bud well on older wood so can cut them right back if they are too tall.

Lucky sod, I’ve been hoping to find myself a cotoneaster over here in Perth because as mentioned they are a weed and grow all over the place but I cannot seem to find one.

shibui wrote:Many species are environmental weeds in Australia so we get seedlings all through the bush, roadsides and gardens near human habitation. Birds love those bright berries and spread the seeds.

I can believe that I would have pulled out at least a dozen over the last year, should leave a couple alone for a few years and see what develops. I also have a species of caprosma doing the same thing.

ReDirtBonsa1 wrote:Lucky sod, I’ve been hoping to find myself a cotoneaster over here in Perth because as mentioned they are a weed

Probably a good thing do you need Pests from the east