This stunning Scots pine is one of the remaining original specimens from Dr. Maurice Seevers. It was much less developed when it was donated from his estate in 1975 (see our section ‘Cultures’ and ‘Thriving in Ann Arbor’ for context.) What we now see as the ‘front’ was originally the ‘back’. We will be creating a digital-image timeline of this tree as it shows the progression from a tree with potential to a specimen that garners respect.

Dr. Seevers’ choice of Scots pine reflects the post World War Two approach to bonsai that was emerging in America – use species that are available and then train them in a Japanese styling tradition. Scots pine are native from Scotland south to Greece and Turkey and east well into Siberia. Since the 1800s, Scots pine has easily been available in the United States as an ornamental and living Christmas tree. Its small needles likely made it appealing to Dr. Seevers.