Liquidambar styraciflua

Common Name:
American Sweetgum

Description:
Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as the American Sweetgum, is a striking deciduous tree known for its vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive star-shaped leaves. Native to North America, this medium to large-sized tree is widely grown in Australia for its ornamental appeal. During autumn, its foliage transforms into a spectacular display of red, orange, purple, and yellow hues. The tree features a pyramidal shape when young, maturing into a rounded canopy. It produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring, followed by woody, spiky seed capsules that persist into winter. American Sweetgum thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun, though it can tolerate part shade. It is a hardy, low-maintenance tree that can withstand moderate drought conditions once established. Due to its size, it is best suited for large gardens, streetscapes, and parks where it can provide excellent shade.

Form:

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 15–25 metres
• Width: 8–12 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Yellow-Green (Inconspicuous)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Large Gardens & Streetscapes
• Autumn Foliage Display
• Shade Providing
• Tolerates Moderate Drought
• Tolerates a Range of Soil Conditions

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.
• Seed capsules can be messy and may cause tripping hazards.

Companion Plants:

• Maples (Acer spp.)
• Oaks (Quercus spp.)
• Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.)
• Evergreen Shrubs (e.g., Camellia, Rhododendron)