Botanical Latin
This list of botanical latin names for trees often used in bonsai is part of Bonsai Clubs International's "Basic Teacher's Guide," and a valuable reference. Bonsai enthusiasts generally use the latin or scientific names for their trees. It's not uncommon for a tree to have different "common" names in different parts of the country or world! Therefore, using the scientific name for trees completely avoids confusion!
LatinGenus Name | EnglishAmerican Common Name |
Abies | Fir |
Acer | Maple |
Buxus | Boxwood |
Carpinus | Hornbeam |
Cedrus | Cedar |
Chaenomeles | Flowering Quince |
Crataegus | Hawthorn |
Cupressus | Cypress |
Fagus | Beech |
Ficus | Fig |
Ginkgo | Ginkgo |
Juniperus | Juniper |
Larix | Larch |
Ligustrum | Privet |
Malus | Apple |
Olea | Olive |
Picea | Spruce |
Pinus | Pine |
Prunus | Stone Fruits (Flowering Fruits) |
Pseudolarix | Chinese Larch |
Punica | Pomegranate |
Rhododendron | Rhododendron, Azalea |
Quercus | Oak |
Salix | Willow |
Sequoia | Coast Redwood |
Serrisa | Coffee, Gardenia |
Taxodium | Bald and Pond Cypress |
Taxus | Yew |
Tsuga | Hemlock |
Ulmus | Elm |
Zelkova | Gray Bark Elm |