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.