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Description
Liquidambar Styraciflua, commonly known as the Sweetgum tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Altingiaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 75 feet in height. The tree has a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown, which becomes more rounded with age. Its leaves are star-shaped and have five to seven pointed lobes, and its fruits are hard, spiky balls that release small seeds when they mature.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Altingiaceae |
| Genus | Liquidambar |
Appearance
The Liquidambar Styraciflua tree has a distinctive appearance with a straight trunk, pyramidal crown, and star-shaped leaves. The leaves are green in the summer and turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The tree’s bark is gray-brown and deeply furrowed. The fruits of the tree are hard, spiky balls that are approximately one inch in diameter and contain small, winged seeds.
Care Guide
Liquidambar Styraciflua is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It prefers well-drained soils and requires moderate watering. The tree is tolerant of drought but should be watered during extended dry periods. The tree should be fertilized in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Liquidambar Styraciflua is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. One of the most common pests is the sweetgum scale, which can cause yellowing of the leaves and premature leaf drop. Other pests include borers, aphids, and mites. The tree is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt and anthracnose. Regular inspections and prompt treatment can prevent serious damage to the tree’s health.
Habitat
Liquidambar Styraciflua is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in forests, swamps, and along rivers. The tree prefers moist soils and is often found near water sources. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and distinctive shape.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can a Liquidambar Styraciflua tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 75 feet in height.
Q: What is the ideal soil for Liquidambar Styraciflua?
A: The tree prefers well-drained soils.
Q: What is the tree’s hardiness zone?
A: The tree is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What are the common pests of Liquidambar Styraciflua?
A: The common pests include sweetgum scale, borers, aphids, and mites.
Related Plants
– Liquidambar Orientalis- Liquidambar Formosana- Liquidambar Acalycina- Liquidambar Macrophylla- Liquidambar Trattinnickii
References
– “Liquidambar Styraciflua.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c849.- “Sweetgum (Liquidambar Styraciflua).” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=892.
