What is Liquidambar styraciflua?
Liquidambar styraciflua It is a large deciduous tree of enormous ornamental value. the extraordinary color of its autumn foliage. Originally from eastern North America, is also found naturally in southern Mexico and various areas of Central America. From the family Altingiaceae, this species is known in different places as sweetgum, amber tree, storax u ocozol. Its popularity has grown in parks, private gardens and urban areas around the world thanks to its adaptability and its impressive size.
It stands out mainly for two reasons: beautiful range of tones that its crown acquires in the cold seasons (yellows, oranges, reds, burgundy, violets) and the peculiar aromatic resin, the storax or liquid amber, which oozes from its bark and is used in cosmetics, medicine and other industrial areas.
El scientific name of the species has its origin in these properties: “Liquidambar styraciflua" means "liquid amber rich in gummy substances."
Botanical description and structure
El sweetgum is a tree that It usually reaches between 18 and 25 meters in height when it grows in optimal conditions, although there are specimens that can exceed 30 meters and even approach 40 meters in humid regions and deep soils. Its crown initially appears in the form columnar or conic, evolving towards a more silhouette globose or rounded At maturity, it can have a diameter of up to 10 metres.
La Cortex it is colored grayish or brown and very cracked, with deep fissures which acquire a characteristic and unmistakable texture, similar to cork. Some specimens have a single, straight trunk, while others develop several trunks from the base.
La root main is pivoting and deep, which helps the stability of the tree, but causes difficulties for transplanting once established.
Its leaves alternate, clapping, of 5 to 7 pointed lobes and serrated edges, are very similar to those of maples, although they differ mainly in their alternate arrangement. The leaves have long petioles and usually measure 8 to 16 centimeters long and up to 18 centimeters wide.
Every autumn, before the fall, The sweetgum offers a striking visual spectacle It changes color successively to golden yellow, orange, deep red, purple, burgundy, and sometimes deep violet. These shades depend on the light, autumn temperature, and soil type.
As for the flowers and fruits:
- FloresIt is a monoecious species with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers appear in unremarkable, greenish clusters, and their ornamental value is low compared to the leaves.
- FruitsThey are globose capsules, 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, covered with woody spikes. They persist for much of the winter, hanging as brown spheres about the size of a golf ball. When ripe, they split open and drop numerous winged seeds.
Botanical characteristics and varieties
- Scientific name: Liquidambar styraciflua
- Family: Altingiaceae
- Common name: Liquidambar, amber tree, storax, ocozol
- Type: Large deciduous tree
- Level: between 15 and 40 meters in mature and well-developed specimens
- Origin: Eastern US, southern Mexico, and Central America
Varieties and cultivars highlights for ornamental gardening:
- Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball': Compact, spherical cup, ideal for small gardens or grown in pots.
- 'Rotundiloba': Leaves without pointed lobes, rounded in shape, less aggressive in fruit fall.
- 'Variegata': Variegated leaves with creamy edges.
- 'Aurea': Leaves with golden tints.
- ‘Burgundy’: Very marked burgundy autumn foliage.
- 'Festival' and 'Moonbeam': Selections prized for their ability to generate unique autumn colors.
- Worplesdon: Good performance in cooler climates.
Liquidambar styraciflua care and cultivation needs
Considered as a rustic, resistant tree and very long-lasting, it is perfect for temperate and humid climates. Tolerates intense frosts because it is able to withstand very low temperatures, even dropping below -15 to -20°C. However, It does not tolerate long periods of drought or excessively dry soils well. and shallow.
For your best autumn colors, It usually requires cold winters and relatively bright summers, being more spectacular in years where the drop in temperatures coincides with the fall of the leaves.
- Solar exposition: Prefers full sun. In particularly hot climates, it accepts light semi-shade at certain times of the day.
- Temperature: It withstands severe frost, but also thrives in temperate and humid environments.
- Ground: It requires deep, fertile soils rich in organic matter and with good drainage. The ideal pH is slightly acidic or neutral; occasionally tolerates calcareous soils but may develop chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in these soils.
- Irrigation: It is demanding in terms of humidity, especially in its early years. It requires frequent watering and, in gardens, usually benefits from regular watering during spring and summer. Avoid waterlogging.
- Subscriber: Sweetgum requires a large amount of organic matter. It's recommended to apply complete fertilizers in spring and summer, and if the soil is poor, incorporate iron chelate a few times a year.
Space requirements: As it is a tree with deep and widespread roots, it is recommended leave a planting frame of at least 6 to 8 meters with respect to buildings, structures and other trees to avoid competition and root problems.
Transplant: It tolerates transplants very poorly once established, so it is important to choose the final location before planting it.
Multiplication and planting
Sweetgum can reproduce in several ways:
- By seed: They are harvested in the fall, just as the fruit ripens. To facilitate germination, it is recommended to cold stratify them for 1 to 3 months. Sowing takes place in the fall or late winter.
- Per cutting: Wood cuttings can be taken during the summer or early fall. It's a slower method but allows you to obtain clones of specific varieties.
- By air layering: It can be done in spring, removing the new plant after a couple of years.
If grown in pots or large containers, it is advisable to choose dwarf varieties and ensure an acidic and fairly deep substrate, with very controlled watering to avoid both excess and shortage of water.
Pruning, pests and diseases
El sweetgum It does not usually need regular pruning, beyond removing dead wood, crossed or diseased branches, and performing some training pruning when young to direct its growth. Excessive pruning can negatively affect its characteristic pyramidal shape, which is so aesthetically appreciated.
- Maintenance pruning: Best during dormant period. Avoid severe pruning in cold areas.
Diseases and pests:
- PestsGenerally hardy, but occasionally attacked by sap-sucking insects such as aphids or mealybugs. Occasionally, tent caterpillars may create webs on the branches.
- fungal diseases: Excess moisture or clay soils can predispose to fungal attack on roots.
Preventive control through surveillance and the timely use of insecticides or organic treatments is usually sufficient. Pruning tool hygiene and proper soil drainage are essential to prevent disease.
Ornamental, industrial and ecological uses
Liquidambar styraciflua It is mainly used as ornamental tree due to its impressive foliage and ability to provide shade. It is ideal to create windbreaks in large gardens, street alignments, parks, and wide avenues, as well as in groups to simulate deciduous forests. It can be planted in large planters and grown as a hedge, topiary, or even bonsai.
Its wood is appreciated in cabinetmaking, carpentry and the manufacture of panels, veneers, coatings and boxes, while the aromatic resin It is used in the manufacture of balms, perfumes, chewing gum and pharmaceutical products for its astringent and skin-loving properties.
Traditionally, storax has been used as a natural ointment to treat skin conditions, infections, and even as a sedative. Bees also extract pollen from it, which they use to produce the famous Ocozol honey in certain regions of Mexico.
