Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Oriental Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Orientalis

Design with this plant

Overview

The Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar orientalis) is a captivating deciduous tree, treasured for its star-shaped leaves and rich autumn hues. Mature specimens reach up to 30-40 ft high and spread 25-30 ft wide. Spring to summer, glossy green foliage transitions to fiery oranges, deep purples, and reds in fall. Prefers well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. Exudes fragrant storax resin, often used in perfumes and medicines. Hardy to USDA Zone 7-10.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 7–10Type TreeClimate Temperate
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — Exudes fragrant storax resin, often used in perfumes and medicines; transitioning to a brilliant, image 54

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (70)

Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — During the growing season; given adequate space to flourish
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — Preferring full sun and moist; mature trees commonly reach heights between 40 to 60 feet
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — showcasing a rounded canopy that can spread approximately 25 to 35 feet in width; treasured for its, image 59
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — and deep reds in the fall; and is exceptionally notable for its vibrant seasonal color changes, image 64
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — treasured for its star-shaped leaves and rich autumn hues
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — tree for full
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — resembling the leaves of a maple
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and versatility in landscape design
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — consider its space requirements and noteworthy size at maturity; tree for full
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — Preferring full sun and moist
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — Exudes fragrant storax resin, often used in perfumes and medicines; transitioning to a brilliant display of
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — showcasing a rounded canopy that can spread approximately 25 to 35 feet in width; treasured for its star-shaped
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — During the growing season; given adequate space to flourish, image 62
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — spiky fruiting balls that add textural interest during the winter months after the leaves have fallen
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — given adequate space to flourish; during the growing season
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — transitioning to a brilliant display of yellows
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — It serves well as a shade tree in larger gardens or as a striking street tree; is a captivating specimen
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — spiky fruiting balls that add textural interest during the winter months after the leaves have, image 66
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — and is exceptionally notable for its vibrant seasonal color changes; and deep reds in the fall
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — and it also produces distinctive; well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — Mature trees commonly reach heights between 40 to 60 feet; preferring full sun and moist, image 58
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — It is a deciduous tree that holds origins in the warm temperate regions of southwestern Asia, image 57
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — and it also produces distinctive
Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Orientalis) — celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and versatility in landscape design; prefers well-drained soils with full sun
Photographs by 8 contributors

Related plants

American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Burgundy') — with leaves turning vivid burgundy

Tree

American Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Burgundy'

FullUSDA 7–10
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — contributing to its name and lending a sweet; the American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), image 147

Tree

American Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Styraciflua

FullUSDA 7–10
American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) — native to the eastern United States

Shrub

American Witch Hazel

Hamamelis Virginiana

FullUSDA 2–5
Arnold's Promise Witch Hazel (Hamamelis 'Arnold's Promise') — Arnold's Promise Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold's Promise') is a captivating

Shrub

Arnold's Promise Witch Hazel

Hamamelis 'Arnold's Promise'

FullUSDA 5–9
Blue Mist Dwarf Forthergilla (Fothergilla Gardenii 'Blue Mist') — The Blue Mist Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist') is a compact deciduous

Shrub

Blue Mist Dwarf Forthergilla

Fothergilla Gardenii 'Blue Mist'

HalfUSDA 5–9
Blue Shadow Fothergilla (Fothergilla Gardenia 'Blue Shadow') — is a captivating deciduous shrub that presents a multi-season display

Shrub

Blue Shadow Fothergilla

Fothergilla Gardenia 'Blue Shadow'

FullUSDA 4–8