Liquidambar, Genus, formosana, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese sweetgum
Southern China, Taiwan, and northern Indochina
Overview
Liquidambar formosana is a deciduous tree in the Altingiaceae, native to southern China, Taiwan, and northern Indochina. It reaches 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall with a spread of 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m), forming a pyramidal crown when young and a broader, rounded crown with age. Leaves are alternate, palmately three-lobed, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) long and wide, with finely toothed margins and a heart-shaped to truncate base, unlike the five-lobed leaves of L. styraciflua. Foliage is glossy green in summer and turns orange, red, and purple in autumn. Flowers are inconspicuous: male flowers form in globose heads at the branch tips and female flowers form in separate rounded heads on the same tree. Fruits are spiny, woody, globose heads about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across that hang on stalks and release winged seeds in autumn, then persist through winter. The fallen fruit heads create litter beneath the canopy. Roots are shallow, and trees are damaged by drought and by alkaline soil above pH 7.5. The species is grown in USDA zones 7–9.
Native Range
Southern China, Taiwan, and northern Indochina, in mixed forests and on hillsides at low to mid elevations.Suggested Uses
Used as a large shade or specimen tree in lawns and parks, spaced 30–40 feet (9–12 m) from structures and other trees. Used for autumn leaf color in zones 7–9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Bloom Information
Flowers appear in spring (March–April) at the same time as the new leaves. Male and female flowers are borne in separate heads on the same tree, and bloom lasts 2–3 weeks. Fruit heads mature from green to brown by October. Trees grown from seed flower at 10–15 years.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to yellow-green, inconspicuousFoliage Description
Glossy green in summer, orange to red and purple in autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Trees grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light, in deep, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Young trees are watered weekly at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week for the first 2 growing seasons. Mulch 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) deep keeps the shallow roots from drying. Alkaline soil above pH 7.5 causes iron chlorosis, with yellowed leaves and green veins. Temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) damage young stems. Surface roots can lift paving within 10 feet (3 m) of the trunk.Pruning
Dead and crossing branches are removed in late winter before bud break. A single central leader is maintained while the tree is young, and lateral branches are thinned to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) spacing along the trunk. Cuts are made at the branch collar.Pruning Schedule
Prune: January–February
winter
