Liquidambar formosanaChinese Sweetgum

The Liquidambar formosana, or Chinese Sweetgum, is a large deciduous tree grown almost entirely for its autumn: three-lobed leaves that emerge purple-bronze in spring, mature to deep green, then turn through crimson to purple before falling. Mature trees reach 20 to 40 metres in habitat and 15 to 25 metres in most plantings.

It is a park and boulevard tree rather than a small-garden one, and it wants a deep, moist, slightly acidic soil to give the colour it is planted for.

Specifications

• Height20 to 40 metres in habitat, commonly 15 to 25 metres in cultivation
• Width8 to 15 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Taiwan, Hainan, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar
• FoliageThree-lobed leaves, purple-bronze on new growth and colouring crimson to purple in autumn; deciduous
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; shallow alkaline ground causes chlorosis
• LightFull sun
• WaterModerate to regular; does not tolerate extended dry periods
• ClimateThrives in warm temperate and humid subtropical regions

Additional Features

• UsesPark and boulevard planting, large avenues, campus and institutional landscapes
• SpacingPlant 10 to 12 metres apart for avenue work
• Low MaintenanceFormative pruning to establish a single leader; little attention thereafter
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient in a suitable soil
• Seasonal AppealPurple-bronze new growth in spring and a long crimson to purple autumn display
• FormStrongly upright with a conical crown when young, broadening with age
• Environmental BenefitsA large-canopy deciduous tree giving summer shade and winter light

The Chinese Sweetgum is planted for autumn colour at a scale that only a large deciduous tree can deliver.