RIP: The Great Bonsai Tree – One of the Most Remarkable Trees in the World California

RIP: The Great Bonsai Tree – One of the Most Remarkable Trees in the World
by Sue Cag

We lost the Great Bonsai Tree in the 2020 SQF Complex / Castle Fire. It was one of the most remarkable trees in the world. Mountain Home was hit hard by the fire in the east, west and northeast areas of the grove. From Alder Creek, I can see countless dead sequoias, either leafless skeletons with blown-off tops or fully scorched brown crowns. A moonscape descends from the big trees down to the Tule River on the east side. A large number of green giants survive in the more central areas of the grove. The forest is currently closed until further notice as the fire continues to smolder.

[The Great Bonsai Tree] is one of the great sequoia sights to be seen anywhere… On a pile of rocks is a monstrous sequoia with many huge limbs almost extending to the ground. Although not one of the very large trees, this short sequoia has no equal in visual impact. There is reason to think this is an old, old tree.

– Wendell D. Flint, To Find the Biggest Tree

Further reading:
Mountain Home Grove Sequoias Heavily Damaged by SQF Complex / Castle Fire

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About the Author:
Sue Cag is a nature writer, conservationist, artist, musician in the band Folkstar, co-owner of Karmic Fury Records, vegan traveler, and tree hugger.

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All photos by Sue Cag. All Rights Reserved. Photos may not be used without permission.

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