Liquidambar styraciflua Aurora

Liquidambar styraciflua Aurora is a variety of American Sweetgum with moderate growth, as opposed to the species, it reaches a height of 7 to 8 m at maturity. The colour of its leaves ranges from dark green to light green, while others are partially or largely variegated with yellow on the edges. When yellow dominates the majority of the leaf, green appears in central spots and splashes. This more compact cultivar is also denser in foliage. It forms a small, elegant tree with a pyramidal and regular habit and superb autumn foliage, ranging from orange to crimson red, or vibrant pink-red.

The American Sweetgum belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family, which includes several species with colourful autumn foliage. It is native to North America, where it grows along the banks of large rivers like the Mississippi. When the species reaches a height of 20 m, the Aurora cultivar reaches a height of 7 to 8 m and a width of 5 m. Its growth is relatively fast. With a very regular appearance, it develops a very vertical trunk and branches arranged in a staggered manner, forming a low canopy and a crown of closely spaced and dense foliage. Its deciduous foliage is beautiful in shape and changing colours. The leaves are palmate, with 5 to 9 pointed lobes and finely toothed edges, arranged alternately on the branches. They persist on the tree for a long time. In spring, the leaves can be dark green, light green, or widely variegated with yellow, with green spots and splashes. They take on beautiful autumnal shades of orange or scarlet red quite late. The spring flowers are insignificant. After pollination, pom-pom-like fruits form, somewhat resembling those of the plane tree. Each fruit is composed of several capsules that contain small winged seeds, similar to maple samaras. Once fallen, the fruits may require some cleaning. The bark of the liquidambar is dark brown, with corky crevices. This beautiful tree can live for more than 80 years.

This hardy tree appreciates deep, moist, humus-bearing soils, and can tolerate brief periods of flooding. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, without too much limestone. Pruning is unnecessary, except to remove crossing or dead branches. The modest growth of Liquidambar styraciflua Aurora makes it suitable for both gardens and parks. Find a clear and sunny location for it, where its natural habit can fully express itself. In well-drained soil, it can be planted as a standalone specimen or enjoy the company of other trees that compete in beauty during autumn such as ginkgo biloba, maples, mountain ash, or witch hazel.