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 |