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Chinese Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Formosana

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Overview

Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a stately deciduous tree, admired for its pyramid shape and stunning fall colors. It can reach up to 80 feet tall and spreads 40 feet wide. The star-shaped leaves transition from lustrous green to vibrant red and purple hues in autumn. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Produces spiky fruit capsules and has a moderate growth rate. Zone: 7-9.

Sun FullWater HighZones 7–9Type TreeClimate Temperate
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — offering a commanding presence.<br><br>Foliage is a key feature; it can reach up to 80 feet tall and, image 64

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
High
USDA zones
7–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Altingiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (92)

Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — This stately tree can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet with a canopy spread of 20 to 30 feet
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — providing ample shade in landscapes; and orange hues in the fall
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — but the seasonal beauty and shade benefits can outweigh this concern for many clients; admired for its pyramid
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — with leaves growing 4 to 7 inches long; providing ample shade in landscapes
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and orange hues in the fall; green and yellow flowers in the garden, image 67
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and orange hues in the fall; green and yellow flowers in the garden
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — is a deciduous tree cherished for its star-shaped leaves and fascinating autumn palette; chinese Sweet Gum
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The star-shaped leaves transition from lustrous green to vibrant red and purple hues in autumn
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — bear in mind its sizable root system; scientifically named Liquidambar formosana
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a stately deciduous tree; the star-shaped leaves transition from
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — It is relatively adaptable; and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.<br><br>When, image 70
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — offering a commanding presence.<br><br>Foliage is a key feature
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — preferring full sun to partial shade and moist; offering a commanding presence.<br><br>Foliage is a key, image 69
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — It can reach up to 80 feet tall and spreads 40 feet wide; it is relatively adaptable
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil; produces spiky fruit capsules and has a moderate growth, image 57
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.<br><br>When considering this tree for landscape design
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.<br><br>When considering this tree for landscape design; tree
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — tree with green and yellow blooms
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — with leaves growing 4 to 7 inches long; providing ample shade in landscapes, image 65
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — scientifically named Liquidambar formosana
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in the spring; prefers full sun and moist, image 68
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — is a deciduous tree cherished for its star-shaped leaves and fascinating autumn palette
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — The tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in the spring
Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Formosana) — its autumn litter requires maintenance
Photographs by 11 contributors

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