Sweetgums - Liquidambar (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Sweetgums

Also known as: Star Gum, Satin-walnut, Redgum

Sweetgums are popular deciduous trees that are known for their colorful foliage. Leaves vary in color depending on the species but can be green, bright red, orange, yellow, or purple. The flowers are small but the fruit is a woody gumball that is covered in spikes and contains several seeds. The wood of the tree is very hard and durable and is often used in making furniture.

Scientific classification

Genus

Sweetgums (Liquidambar)

Family

Sweet gums

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Fall

Harvest Time

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Sweetgums

Species

Sweetgum Formosan sweetgum Chinese Sweet Gum Rasamala Sweetgum 'Lane Roberts'Sweetgum 'Slender Silhouette'Sweetgum 'Worplesdon'Fruitless sweetgum Liquidambar chinensis Oriental sweet gum

Care Guide for Sweetgums

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sweetgums prefers moist environments and thrives with consistent watering every 1-2 weeks. While it has moderate drought tolerance, it flourishes outdoors where rainfall can assist irrigation. As a deciduous plant, sweetgums needs less water during dormancy in colder months.

Propagation: Primary propagation methods for sweetgums are seed sowing and cuttings. Success depends on full sun to partial shade, warmth, and well-draining soil. Stratification aids germination, and rooting hormone enhances cuttings. The process is moderately challenging, requiring patience for germination (2-3 weeks) and rooting establishment.

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Learn More About Sweetgums

How to Grow and Care

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