Liquidambar styraciflua Seeds | Sweetgum
LATIN NAME: Liquidambar styraciflua
COMMON NAME: Sweetgum, American Sweetgum, Redgum
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, deciduous tree in the witch-hazel family, native to eastern woodlands of the united states and warm regions of central America, while it has been cultivated for its autumn colour. At maturity it stands about Thirty metres. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the witch-hazel family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Sweetgum has a real and distinguished place in research. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.
Uses & Benefits
Sweetgum brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Sweetgum is a large, deciduous tree of the eastern woodlands, bearing the star-shaped, glossy leaves which turn to the brilliant reds and purples in the autumn. To raise sweetgum, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little trees on in the sun. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Sweetgum resin, Lu Lu Tong and storax, is a classical Chinese resin for moving blood and easing pain, and the American sweetgum’s balsam perfumed early chewing gums; the autumn color is among the finest of all trees.
Growing from Seed
Starting Sweetgum from seed is simple and satisfying. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Sweetgum repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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