Liquidambar styraciflua 'Corky'
sweet gum 'Corky'
'Corky' is an upright, narrowly pyramidal, deciduous, small to medium-sized tree up to 12m tall with deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that turn crimson red in autumn. Very pronounced wing-like, corky projections on the stems and bark are a feature of established trees. Inconspicuous greenish flowers may be followed by burr-like fruit, 2-4cm across, that stay on the tree through winter
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Not established
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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