Liquidambar acalycina
A broadly conical, medium-sized tree to about 15m. Leaves are bright green, with three to five pointed lobes; young foliage is flushed red for much of the growing season but there is little autumn colour. Inconspicuous clusters of small, yellow-green flowers are followed by long-lasting, hanging, spiky, dark brown fruit
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | Brown | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Red | Brown | |
| Autumn | Green Red | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- China
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 seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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