American sweetgum - Liquidambar styraciflua Free shipping

Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua

Common Name: Sweetgum, American liquidambar 

If you are purchasing for bonsai attach a message to the purchase notes and I will choose a larger, more branchy and workable specimen for you.
 
Trees will be bare rooted and wrapped and water proofed for shipping during the winter months

Trees are 50cm+

Largest trees will be sent first

Some defoliation may be present to help with transpiration during transit. 

Free express shipping

Description: Liquidambar styraciflua is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and parts of Central America. It is known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves and spiky fruit capsules. The tree typically reaches a height of 18-24 meters, with a spread of 12-18 meters at maturity. The bark of the Sweetgum tree is deeply furrowed and grayish-brown in color.

Leaves: The leaves of Liquidambar styraciflua are alternate, palmately lobed, and resemble maple leaves. They are typically 10-18 centimeters wide and have five to seven pointed lobes. The leaves emerge in spring with a glossy green color and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, providing a stunning display of autumn colors.

Flowers: The Sweetgum tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The flowers appear in spring, usually around April or May, before the leaves fully develop. The tree is monoecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are borne in clusters, while the female flowers are solitary or in small groups.

Fruit: One of the defining features of the Sweetgum tree is its fruit. The female flowers give rise to spiky, ball-shaped fruit capsules that are about 2.5 centimeters in diameter. These capsules contain numerous seeds and persist on the tree throughout winter. As they dry, they become brown and woody, and eventually split open to release the seeds. The fruit capsules can often be found scattered around the base of the tree.

Cultivation: Liquidambar styraciflua is a hardy tree that thrives in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The Sweetgum tree is adaptable and can grow in a wide range of climates, from USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells.

Uses: The Sweetgum tree has both ornamental and commercial uses. Its attractive foliage and vibrant fall colors make it a popular choice for landscaping and as a shade tree in parks and gardens. The wood of Liquidambar styraciflua is valuable and used in furniture, cabinets, veneers, and flooring. The tree also produces a fragrant resin known as storax, which has been used in perfumes and medicines.

Liquidambar styraciflua, with its stunning foliage and unique fruit capsules, is a beautiful and versatile tree that adds interest to any landscape.

Due to box limitations and to ensure safe shipment, all trees available for purchase at North Coast Jacarandas may be subject to pruning before delivery. This process encourages the formation of new buds, facilitating the successful establishment of your tree upon arrival.