About
Liquidambar styraciflua, the sweet gum, is a deciduous tree to 20 m with a broadly conical outline and rather glossy, maple-like, 5- to 7-lobed leaves which turn spectacular shades of orange, crimson and purple in autumn. One of the finest of all trees for autumn colour, excellent as a specimen in a large garden or park.
About the genus
Liquidambar are deciduous trees with alternate, maple-like leaves that take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour. Flowers and fruits are inconspicuous. Outstanding specimen trees for large gardens and parks.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEastern USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid, moderately fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands or as a specimen tree. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour - see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus