Liquidambar

Liquidambar  

Liquidambar or Sweet Gum are deciduous trees which are named for their resin which exudes from the bark when it is damaged, that as it ages it solidifies into a gum like texture. The gum was used both medicinally and to make chewing gum. 

Theses days they are grown for their long-lasting autumn colour of oranges, reds and purples, the leaves are maple like in appearance but with a tougher texture. In Winter, they provide more interest with woody seed clusters that hang from the branches, these are known as gumballs. 
 

Where to site your Liquidambar  

Due to their overall height and spread these are best planted somewhere where they have plenty room to grow, so usually planted alone where it can be appreciated as a specimen tree. 

 
How to grow and look after your Liquidambar  

Sweet Gum prefer a moist well-drained soil, that is neutral to slightly acidic. They can be planted in partial shade but for best autumn colour are more suited to a location with full sun.