Dwarf
and semi-dwarf trees
Please observe a limit of 2 of any cultivar in the dwarf category.
Trees tigerunder 6' tall are generally regarded as dwarfs, and semi-dwarfs could be as tall as 12-15'. This seems sensible when you consider that some Japanese maple cultivars may reach more than 30'. However, the size of a given cultivar is often a matter of dispute. Read three books by experts and visit three different nurseries, and you are likely to get half a dozen different quotes as to the height of a given cultivar. This makes a grouping by size somewhat arbitrary, but those listed here as semi-dwarfs are generally of small stature, suitable for smaller gardens.
Laceleafs are not listed in this group, nor are threadleafs, although they may in some cases be smaller than some of the semi-dwarfs that are.
Although most any cultivar is suitable for bonsai, dwarfs are in great demand because they can look good sooner. Demand has also increased as we have trended to toward smaller gardens. A problem with great demand is that dwarfs grow slower and offer less material for grafting. This may increase their price and limit availability.