Deciduous trees and shrubs need a cold place for the winter but need no light and little water when they have no leaves and are dormant.

Apple, crabapple (malus spp.) are a very good source of bonsai material. Seedlings are often easy to find, and young commercial trees can also used. Edible apples have white flowers, ornamental crabapples have pink flowers and Siberian crabapple (Malus baccata) have white flowers and tiny fruit - particularly appropriate because the others have fruit far too big to be on a bonsai.

Birch -paper or white birch (Betula papyrifera) seedlings are found near parent trees, in damp areas, or they may be purchased. They have white bark and oval leaves with pointed tips. Bog birch (Betula glanulose) is a smaller native, with rounded, dark green leaves, found near creeks and marshy areas. Branches are flexible and easy to shape. They need moisture and are pruned in summer.

Elm - Siberian (Ulmus pumila) elms have Y-shaped trunks and small leaves with toothed edges. Seedlings are easily found near parent trees or they may be purchased as young plants. They are suitable for formal upright bonsai.

Maple - Amur maple (Acer ginnala) is the most suitable maple, with elongated maple- shaped leaves and red stems. They turn a very attractive dark orange in the fall. They are easily found as seedlings or purchased as young plants. Prune in summer only. This is a great alternative to Japanese maple.

Pincherry, Chokecherry - (Prunus spp.) include several native varieties and are also available commercially. All have attractive white flower clusters and small chokecherries. Leaves are oval with pointed tips. Pincherry has dark red bark which is pretty even when the tree is not in leaf.