The Sweet Gum family are unrivaled in their autumn colour displays. Liquidambar styraciflua boasts large, deeply lobed star shaped foliage that is a glossy, mid-green throughout the spring and summer. When autumn arrives the leaves turn vivid reds and oranges in a breath taking display. The bark is corky and fissured giving an interesting texture that is popular with children for bark rubbings.
Liquidambar styraciflua is a medium sized, slow growing tree with an upright habit and will reach 10 x 6 metres in 20 years. It prefers a position in moist to well-drained soil in full sun where possible. Originating from the USA, it is often called an American Red Gum due to its red autumn colour and it is certainly one of our favourites for striking autumn colour.
AKA Sweet Gum tree, American Red Gum, American Sweet Gum, Alligator tree