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Liquidambar styraciflua
sweet gum
L. styraciflua is a deciduous tree to 20m tall, broadly conical in outline, with rather glossy, maple-like, 5 to 7-lobed leaves which turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in autumn
Other common names
American red gumAmerican sweet gum
see morebilsted
copalm balsam
red gum
satin walnut
Synonyms
Liquidambar styraciflua var. mexicana
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Purple Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–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
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in lime-free soil in sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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