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Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum
The glossy long-stalked deep green leaves have toothed margins and take on brilliant shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red in the fall. Yellow-green flowers give way to the "gumballs", which are hard, spherical, bristly fruit clusters. Branchlets on this tree may have distinctive corky ridges.
- » Densely branched pyramidal crown, becoming oval with maturity
- » Branchlets may have distinctive corky ridges
- » Lobed, glossy green leaves turn spectacular yellows, oranges, purples and reds in the fall
- » Clusters of yellow-green flowers appear simultaneously with the leaves
- » Spherical bristly fruit clusters commonly persist into late winter
- » Bloom Time: Spring
Flowering Time
| • | Spring |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Liquidambar styraciflua
The common name refers to the "gum" which seeps from bark wounds. This "gum" has been historically used for a variety of purposes, including chewing gum, incense, perfumes, folk medicines and flavourings.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Liquidambar styraciflua
Liquidambar styraciflua is almost native to our area.
An excellent ornamental shade tree with brilliant fall colour, suitable for a wide range of locations, including typically wetter areas. Shows best fall colour in a slightly acidic soil.