Liquidamber styraciflua | Sweetgum

Liquidamber styraciflua is one of the finest trees for spectacular autumn colour. Native to the humid, swampy regions of America and Mexico, it was first introduced to the UK by British plant collector John Bannister in 1861. It is a hardy, deciduous tree with all year round interest. In spring its distinctive five-lobed leaves begin a glossy green then become a stunning array of red, purple, crimson, orange and yellow in autumn. This is also one of the last trees to lose its leaves, so the fiery display often continues to December! The Liquidamber styraciflua will grow on most soil including heavy clay, and thrives best in areas with full sun. When young the tree grows in a narrow pyramidal form, but the shape broadens with maturity. There are many different cultivars of Liquidamber styraciflua, each offering a range of interesting features, providing a beautiful ornamental specimen tree.

Mature Height

10-15m

Tree Features

Bark - Fissured, corky bark extends along the branches is known as 'cork wings'.

Vivid green, large five-lobed star-shaped leaves turn a stunning array of red, purple, crimson, orange and yellow in autumn in autumn.

Globed, spiky fruit called 'burr balls' grow in summer, fresh green in colour they darken in autumn and remain on the tree throughout winter.

Growing Conditions

Will grow in most soil, including heavy clay, although not chalk.

Will tolerate wet sites, but needs direct sunlight.

Avoid exposed locations to prevent young branches breaking in high winds.

When grown in moist to well-drained soil in full sun, the tree will give the most intense autumn colour.

Season of Interest

Autumn - One of the most stunning displays of autumn colour.

Winter - Bare branches show off its interesting 'corkwings' and 'burr balls'.

Tree Type

Standard, Multistem, Feathered, Pleached, Rooftop.

Growing Locations

Parklands, Avenues, Broad Streets, Gardens, Specimen Tree

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

Spanish herbalist Francisco Hernandez gave the tree its botanical name due to its aromatic gum, which he referred to as Liquidamber due to its golden colour and sweet odour. Styraciflua means flowing with resin.