About
A small deciduous tree to about 10m tall, broadly conical in outline. Older branches take on a corky, winged appearance. Insignificant flowers in late spring are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn, which remain on the tree into winter. The smaller than average, finely cut, narrowly maple-like leaves, reliably turn shades of yellow, red, orange and violet throughout autumn.
About the genus
Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
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 semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus