Liquidamber … the name alone is intriguing, conjuring up images of its lovely autumn colouring – liquid amber, russet, red and purple.
All these leaves came from the same Liquidamber tree
A native of East USA, it was given its name because of its aromatic gum which, in Mexico, is used in adhesives and perfumes.
Of all the deciduous trees which colour our autumn days, Liquidamber styraciflua (common name, sweetgum) is the one with the most long-lasting appeal.
I love the leaf shape, five-lobed and maple-like.
The leaves of the Liquidamber frame the view
I love the glossiness of the leaves.
I like its fresh green colour in spring and summer.
I like how the tree grows straight and tall… confident and sure of itself.
Liquidamber styraciflua
But most of all I long for the autumn days when it will outshine every other tree.
What Liquidambers like:
- Sun or partial shade
- Lime-free soil – acid or neutral
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Room to grow
Characteristics
- Ultimately can grow to 20 metres in the UK and Ireland
- Generally pest and disease free
- Conical in shape when young; more rounded later
- Green leaves in spring
- Spectacular autumn colour
- The fruits (“gum balls”) are spiky brown globes which hang on the tree in winter.
It makes a lovely specimen tree with its own beauty in spring and summer … then watch out for the fireworks when Autumn arrives!
(All photography mine; feel free to use any of Jardin’s images but please credit and link back)
Related articles
- Ten Reasons to Plant Trees. (jardindesign.org)
- Expert reveals why autumn leaves more colourful than usual (irishtimes.com)
Jardin 
Such great pics…i love the shape of the leaves too
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Thanks a lot!
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And the colours of the leaves are so bright and attractive. What a wonderful tree.
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Yes, a fabulous tree in Autumn. The leaf colour is so varied and so vivid.
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It looks amazing.
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Beautiful photos. Where were they taken—looks gorgeous? Here in Belgium we have lost most of our leaves now, but we enjoyed a colourful display
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Hi there, I’m feeling very cheery and chirpy tonight and I just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for a Blog of the Year 2013 Award. My post will be published this evening at around 6.00pm Australian Time. Congratulations to you for a creating a truly Wonderful Blog.
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Sorry I meant to change the time to 9.00pm but forgot. Your nomination will publish in my next post in about 15 minutes.
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Thank you for liking my post. What a stunning tree and your pics do it justice.
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Thank you so much for your comment and for popping by.
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Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing these photos, and the great information about the trees themselves.
Such a gem!
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Thank you Katie. Really glad you enjoyed it.
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