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Chinese Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Formosana

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Overview

Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a stately deciduous tree, admired for its pyramid shape and stunning fall colors. It can reach up to 80 feet tall and spreads 40 feet wide. The star-shaped leaves transition from lustrous green to vibrant red and purple hues in autumn. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Produces spiky fruit capsules and has a moderate growth rate. Zone: 7-9.

Sun FullWater HighZones 7–9Climate Temperate
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a stately deciduous tree
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The star-shaped leaves transition from lustrous green to vibrant red and purple hues in autumnChinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soilChinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — admired for its pyramid shape and stunning fall colorsChinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — It can reach up to 80 feet tall and spreads 40 feet wideChinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — is a deciduous tree cherished for its star-shaped leaves and fascinating autumn paletteChinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — scientifically named Liquidambar formosana+65

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
High
USDA zones
7–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Altingiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (72)

Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a stately deciduous tree
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The star-shaped leaves transition from lustrous green to vibrant red and purple hues in autumn
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — admired for its pyramid shape and stunning fall colors
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — It can reach up to 80 feet tall and spreads 40 feet wide
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — is a deciduous tree cherished for its star-shaped leaves and fascinating autumn palette
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — scientifically named Liquidambar formosana
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Produces spiky fruit capsules and has a moderate growth rate
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — offering a commanding presence.<br><br>Foliage is a key feature
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Its pyramidal form in youth matures into a rounded crown
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — which transform from a lustrous green to a kaleidoscope of red
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — with leaves growing 4 to 7 inches long
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — providing ample shade in landscapes
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — This stately tree can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet with a canopy spread of 20 to 30 feet
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.<br><br>When considering this tree for landscape design
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and orange hues in the fall
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — It is relatively adaptable
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in the spring
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — preferring full sun to partial shade and moist
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — bear in mind its sizable root system
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — its autumn litter requires maintenance
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — but the seasonal beauty and shade benefits can outweigh this concern for many clients
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — which means it should be planted at least 15 feet away from paved surfaces to prevent any disruption
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — green and yellow flowers in the garden