Collected seedlings

[Arizona bonsai]

I have some 2-3 month old seedlings that I collected recently. At the end of our street are 4 large Japanese Elms that had some seeds sprout in the landscape gravel. First is the Elm. Second is a Sweet Acacia & last is a Mesquite.

The tap root on all of them was as long as the plant above ground but did have some fine feeder roots above the cut necessary to pot them.

We will see how they do as I have heard that cutting the tap root is not good for the plant.

Beer bottle for size comparison & refreshment.

 

[AZbonsai]

Nice find. I think your elm might be Chinese elm.

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Nice find. I think your elm might be Chinese elm.

You are probably correct, I’m not good about identification.

 

[Arizona bonsai]

My wife who has a good memory said they are Chinese Elm. Here are some pics of the parents.

 

[Shibui]

Chinese elm should have no problem with root prune even with leaves on. Sometimes the leaves will drop off while the tree adjusts but usually survive. Not sure how the others respond to root pruning but generally young seedlings are quite tolerant.
Just out of interest I would estimate that elm at 1-3 years old. they seem way too big for several months.

 

[AZbonsai]

Just out of interest I would estimate that elm at 1-3 years old. they seem way too big for several months.

I would agree with OP it is about 3 mos. Old. These elms grow like weeds in our climate. These elms are all about 3 years old.

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Chinese elm should have no problem with root prune even with leaves on. Sometimes the leaves will drop off while the tree adjusts but usually survive. Not sure how the others respond to root pruning but generally young seedlings are quite tolerant.
Just out of interest I would estimate that elm at 1-3 years old. they seem way too big for several months.

I collected the elm this year, the park area is HOA maintained. The tree was in landscape rock that is kept weed free with sprays. I don’t think a weed could exist for 1 year there. Plants grow good here & this one was Gotten before summer.