Dramatic Shimpaku Juniper with Aged Deadwood in a Rare Sam Miller Pot

California Shipping Restriction: Due to USDA regulations, we cannot ship Junipers to California.

An Incredible Shimpaku with Beautifully Aged Deadwood

This is the exact tree shown in the photos.

This is an incredible tree. I believe the foliage is Kishu, although I cannot confirm the exact variety. It is compact, healthy, and has the tight growth we look for in a good Shimpaku.

I spent quite a bit of time looking closely at the trunk and deadwood. I believe this is a tanuki, also known as a phoenix graft, but it is honestly difficult to tell. If it is a tanuki, it was done extremely well and probably many years ago. The living trunk and deadwood have aged together so naturally that the transition is not obvious.

The deadwood is the main feature. It has twists, hollows, broken sections, and weathered grain running from the base through the upper trunk. The living portion follows the deadwood nicely and supports a compact canopy at the top of the composition.

The tree is planted in a 9" handmade ceramic pot by Sam Miller. Sam has not made or sold pots for many years, which makes his work difficult to find and very desirable among collectors. The pot is an important part of this offering and is included with the tree.

Tree Details

Common Name: Shimpaku Juniper
Botanical Name: Juniperus chinensis
Foliage: Believed to be Kishu; not confirmed
Construction: Believed to be an older tanuki or phoenix graft; not confirmed
Tree Type: Outdoor evergreen bonsai
Height: 21" from the table to the apex
Spread: 13"
Current Pot: 9" handmade ceramic bonsai pot
Potter: Sam Miller
Photographed: August 9, 2026
Ships From: Massachusetts
Availability: One tree only—the exact tree shown

Tanuki Note

After looking closely at the connection between the living trunk and deadwood, I believe this tree was created as a tanuki. The work is old and very well done, making it difficult to identify with certainty. The living material and deadwood have aged together convincingly and now read as one composition.

I am disclosing this because I want the next owner to know exactly what I see. The tanuki construction and Kishu foliage identification should both be considered my best assessments rather than guarantees.

Photography Note

This tree was photographed on August 9, 2026. The photos show the actual tree, deadwood, and Sam Miller pot for sale.

Shipping Note

This tree ships from Massachusetts. It will be watered, secured, and packed carefully for shipment. Extra care will be taken to protect the foliage, aged deadwood, and collectible ceramic pot. Minor movement of the foliage, moss, or soil may occur during transit.

Due to USDA regulations, Junipers cannot be shipped to California.

Care Note

Shimpaku Juniper is an outdoor bonsai and must remain outside year-round. Give the tree plenty of sunlight, good airflow, and thorough watering when the soil begins approaching dryness. Do not allow the root system to dry out completely.

Junipers require a natural winter dormancy. Protect the ceramic pot and root system during severe winter weather, especially from drying winds and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Please Note

• The tree shown is the exact tree you will receive
• Due to USDA regulations, Junipers cannot be shipped to California
• The foliage is believed to be Kishu but has not been confirmed
• The tree is believed to be an older tanuki or phoenix graft, but this cannot be confirmed with certainty
• The handmade Sam Miller ceramic pot is included
• All measurements are approximate
• The tree’s appearance will change naturally with growth and continued refinement
• All trees are sold as-is
• All sales are final—no refunds, returns, or exchanges
• Once the tree leaves our nursery, its continued care is the buyer’s responsibility