Home and Landscape
Liquidambar
- Liquidambar, Sweet gum—Liquidambar spp.
- Family Hamamelidaceae (Witch hazel family)
Plant Identification
Liquidambar spp. are deciduous trees and grow from 25 to 60 feet. Trees have spiny pods that hang through the winter and drop in the spring. They are known for great fall color.
Optimum conditions for growth
The climatic zone for Liquidambar varies by species. They prefer full sun and and prefer slightly acid soils. They tend to become chlorotic in more alkaline soils. They are tolerant of lawn water or conditions with limited summer water. Liquidambar does best as a street tree; it forms surface roots that can be annoying in lawns.
