The Seven Most Ancient Bonsai Trees Globally
In the world of bonsai, the art of growing and nurturing miniature trees in containers, location, care, maintenance, and teamwork are crucial factors. These elements, when combined with patience and dedication, can result in bonsai trees that not only thrive but also become centuries-old treasures.
One such tree is the oldest bonsai in the world, the Ficus retusa linn, residing at the Crespi Bonsai Museum in Milan, Italy. This remarkable tree, over 1,000 years old, has stood the test of time and continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty.
In Japan, the Suzuka Jizo, a 1,300-year-old bonsai, holds the title of the oldest bonsai tree in the country. It is proudly displayed at the Suzuki family's temple in Suzuka. Another Japanese bonsai, a nearly 400-year-old Japanese white pine, is a testament to resilience. This tree survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II and now resides at the U.S. National Arboretum as part of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.
The oldest bonsai tree in China, the "Jade Tree," is a 1,600-year-old bonsai located at the Suzhou Embroidery Museum in Suzhou. Across the Pacific, the 300-year-old "Chojubai" holds the title of the oldest bonsai tree in the United States, found at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington D.C.
South Korea's oldest bonsai, the Yangjuan Old Pine, is a 1,000-year-old tree located at the Yangjuan Temple in Yangju. The "Pine of the Phoenix," a 600-year-old bonsai, stands as one of the tallest and oldest bonsai trees in the world, reaching a height of 16 feet and a width of 30 feet.
Cedar, Cypress, Pine, Ficus, Maple, Azalea, and Cherry are some long-living bonsai species that, with the right care, can live for several centuries. The Sandai Shogun no Matsu, a bonsai tree tended by a line of emperors for over 500 years, is a Japanese national treasure and is displayed in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection.
Bonsai symbolizes much more than just being grown in a container. Understanding the deeper symbolism behind the practice is essential to truly appreciating bonsai. For those interested in starting their own bonsai journey, resources such as the Ultimate Resource List, Growers Guide, and an online store are available on various platforms. These resources provide valuable information about bonsai tree care, tools to keep the tree healthy, and a community of bonsai lovers to connect with.
While living bonsai trees commonly reach several hundred years, some exceptional specimens may live for a millennium under ideal conditions. However, it's important to remember that the true value of a bonsai lies not just in its age, but in the love, care, and dedication that goes into nurturing it over the years.
[1] National Bonsai & Penjing Museum [2] U.S. National Arboretum [3] The Oldest Bonsai Trees [4] Brooklyn Botanic Garden [5] The Art of Bonsai
- For those who appreciate the art of nurturing and developing life within the confines of a container, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum offers a wealth of resources, including care guides, tools, and a community of bonsai enthusiasts, to kickstart one's home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The diverse range of ancient bonsai trees, like the Ficus retusa linn, the Suzuka Jizo, and the Chojubai, can be found in various museums worldwide, reflecting the rich history and lifestyle of cultivating these remarkable miniature trees as home-and-garden decor.
