Liquidambar styraciflua 'Stared'
sweet gum 'Stared'
A deciduous tree with a branching pyramidal habit, growing to about 15m. The leaves are deeply divided and star-shaped, turning to shades of vivid red, orange and purple in autumn. Insignificant flowers in late spring are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn. Branches develop a corky, winged appearance.
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Purple Orange | Green Brown | ||
| 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 GB / Ireland
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in lime-free, 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
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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