Liquidambar styraciflua seeds - American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as the American Sweetgum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree, prized for its elegant conical habit and spectacular autumn foliage. During this season, its broad palmate leaves take on fiery hues ranging from orange and copper to scarlet red and purple. In damp, non-calcareous soil, this tree thrives in an open space, whether as a standalone specimen or in an avenue. To propagate Liquidambar from seed, start in autumn or, if necessary, in early spring, after several weeks of cold stratification.

Belonging to the Altingiaceae family, the Sweetgum is native to North America. It is found there along major rivers such as the Mississippi and the Ohio. Its name Liquidambar derives from the Latin liquidus (liquid) and the Arabic ambar (amber), referring to the fragrant amber-coloured resin that flows from its bark. Discovered in 1528, it was introduced to Europe in 1681. In its natural habitat, Liquidambar can reach up to 35 m in height, but in our latitudes, it peaks at a height of 20 to 22 m. It is a fast-growing tree. It develops a straight and robust trunk, topped by a dense, conical, slightly irregular crown that can reach 7 m in diameter. Its deciduous foliage is its main attraction, with palmate leaves 10 to 18 cm long, divided into 5 to 9 finely toothed lobes and arranged alternately on the branches. Dark green during summer, they become fiery in autumn. The discreet flowering appears in April on trees at least 25 years old, in the form of upright male catkins and pendulous female flowers. After pollination, small bristly spherical fruits, similar to those of the plane tree, develop. These fruits contain several capsules housing winged seeds, comparable to the samaras of maples. Its dark brown bark is marked by corky fissures, and its lifespan can reach around 150 years.

Liquidambar is a hardy tree that tolerates harsh winters well. It requires deep, damp, but well-drained soil and a sunny exposure. Once well established, it requires no special maintenance. It is planted as a standalone specimen on a vast lawn, in an avenue along a driveway, or as a boundary tree in a garden without close neighbours. It is frequently found in parks, where it stands out for its magnificent autumn colours. It pairs harmoniously with other species with colourful foliage such as Ginkgo, Chinese mahogany Toona sinensis, Nyssa sylvatica or the bald cypress, which share its preference for deep, moist soils.

The aromatic resin exuded by the bark, called styrax or liquidambar balsam, was once prized in aromatherapy. It was first used by indigenous populations, then incorporated in Europe into the production of cosmetics such as creams and beauty milks. As for its reddish-brown wood, valued for its fragrance and mechanical qualities, it was commonly used in cabinet-making for crafting refined furniture.