Apical v Basal Dominace
[ChatGPT Jan 2025]
Here’s a comprehensive table of common tree species used in bonsai, categorized by type (Deciduous, Conifer, Evergreen) and their growth habits (Apically Dominant or Basally Dominant):
Common Name Scientific Name Category Growth Habit
Japanese Maple Acer palmatum Deciduous Apically Dominant
Trident Maple Acer buergerianum Deciduous Apically Dominant
European Beech Fagus sylvatica Deciduous Apically Dominant
Common Ash Fraxinus excelsior Deciduous Apically Dominant
English Oak Quercus robur Deciduous Apically Dominant
European Larch Larix decidua Deciduous Apically Dominant
Black Alder Alnus glutinosa Deciduous Apically Dominant
Weeping Willow Salix babylonica Deciduous Apically Dominant
Silver Birch Betula pendula Deciduous Apically Dominant
Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii Conifer Apically Dominant
Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Conifer Apically Dominant
Japanese White Pine Pinus parviflora Conifer Apically Dominant
Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa Conifer Apically Dominant
Atlantic Cedar Cedrus atlantica Conifer Apically Dominant
Norway Spruce Picea abies Conifer Apically Dominant
Chinese Juniper Juniperus chinensis Conifer Apically Dominant
Shimpaku Juniper Juniperus sargentii Conifer Apically Dominant
Yew Taxus baccata Conifer Apically Dominant
Boxwood Buxus sempervirens Evergreen Basally Dominant
Fukien Tea Carmona microphylla Evergreen Basally Dominant
Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia Deciduous Basally Dominant
Zelkova Zelkova serrata Deciduous Basally Dominant
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Deciduous Basally Dominant
Azalea Rhododendron indicum Evergreen Basally Dominant
Kiyohime Maple Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime’ Deciduous Basally Dominant
Notes:
• Apical Dominance: Trees with strong apical dominance tend to grow more vigorously at the top. In bonsai cultivation, it’s essential to manage this by pruning the top to encourage balanced growth.
• Basal Dominance: Trees with basal dominance exhibit stronger growth at the base or lateral branches. For these species, pruning the lower branches can help in developing a clear upright leader.
Understanding the growth habits of each species is crucial in bonsai training to achieve the desired shape and structure.
For apically dominant trees, to divert energy/growth to lower (primary branches, cut the apical stem.