Liquidambar styraciflua

Experiment species

Species

Tree

Family	Altingiaceae
Synonyms	Liquidambar barbata, Liquidambar gummifera, Liquidambar macrophylla
Common names	American Sweetgum, Liquidambar, Sweet Gum

Climatic Suitability
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Liquidambar styraciflua: whole tree in front of house — Credit: Alison Downing

Liquidambar styraciflua: whole tree — Credit: Leigh Staas

Liquidambar styraciflua: green leaves — Credit: David Ellsworth

Liquidambar styraciflua: leaves on branch turning red — Credit: Alison Downing

Liquidambar styraciflua: semi close up of autumnal leaves and dried fruit capsules — Credit: Alison Downing

Liquidambar styraciflua: bark — Credit: Leigh Staas

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Form

Height in cultivation 6 – 30 m

Spread in cultivation 5 – 30 m

Origin Exotic

Flower colour Green, inconspicuous flowers, yellow

Flower period spring

Leaf colour Green

Leaf loss Deciduous

Risk allergen

Canopy area 706.9 m²

Canopy shape Pyramidal, upright

Site

Urban space type Garden, park, street

Use feature, shade

Soil texture clay, loam, sand

Soil pH acidic, alkaline, neutral

Planting & Maintenance Fertile soil, lateral space, well drained soil

Soil Volume 12 – 424 m³

Water use Moderate

Performance

Shade tolerance Full sun Part shade

Tolerance High drought
High frost
High coastal

Soil Salinity No

Drought strategy Tolerator/avoider

Heat Tolerant

Growth rate Fast, medium

Expected lifespan Long

Risk - Flammability High

Risk - Infrastructure Vigorous roots, shallow roots, large root system

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Cultivars & Hybrids