National Bonsai Museum in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

What shape do you see?

(Hint: It is not a tree)

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 11, 2020

1. What shape do you see? Marker

Inscription. Most bonsai are modeled after natural trees in nature. However, about 400 years ago, it was popular in China to train potted trees into shapes of animals, especially the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which includes the dragon. This tree was created to look like a Chinese dragon—its head on the right side; its tail is on the left. It is unusual to see a tree in this historical style outside of China, especially one made by a Chinese-American.

Erected by U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Asian Americans • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 38° 54.759′ N, 76° 58.121′ W. Marker is in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in National Bonsai Museum. Marker can be reached from Meadow Road Northeast just west of Ellipse Road Northeast, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. An Art Form Is Born (a few steps from this marker); Inherited Wealth (a few steps from this marker); Bonsai Pioneer (within shouting distance of this marker); "There are no borders in bonsai…"

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Branching Out (within shouting distance of this marker); National Bonsai & Pensing Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); If trees could talk… (within shouting distance of this marker); Timeless Trees (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northeast Washington.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker in context, including the tree. • Can you help?