Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea'
sweet gum 'Variegata'
A deciduous tree with a branching pyramidal habit, growing to about 15m. Deeply divided, maple-like, pale green leaves are striped and mottled yellow, flushed pink when young, turning to shades of vivid red, orange and purple in autumn. Insignificant late spring flowers are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn. Branches develop a corky, winged appearance with age
Synonyms
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Golden'Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea'
see moreLiquidambar styraciflua 'Goduzam'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gold Dust'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea Variegata'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Foliis Aureo-Variegatis'
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid, moderately fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands or as a specimen tree. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour - see tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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