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Liquidambar styraciflua Aurea

Liquidambar styraciflua Aurea
Copalme d'Amérique, Styrax d'Amérique

5,0/5
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This is a magnificent tree, its leaves resemble sea stars with their cuts and shapes. It is green speckled with yellow, which makes it very bright. And in autumn, the leaves turn yellow and then orange. I highly recommend it (suitable for coastal areas).

corinne, 29/11/2022

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This American sycamore has a significantly smaller development than the species type, more suitable for small gardens. Not exceeding 10 m (32 in 10 ft) in height and 5 m (16 in 5 ft) in width, it is adorned with remarkable variegated foliage, bright green splashed with yellow, turning orange-yellow to scarlet or pink in autumn. It should be planted in a sunny location, in a deep, slightly acidic soil, preferably humus-bearing and moist.
Height at maturity
9 m
Spread at maturity
4.50 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time February, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Description

The Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea' is a variety of American sweetgum with striking variegated foliage and a much smaller size compared to the species, making it more suitable for small gardens. This deciduous small tree is also characterized by a regular pyramidal habit, but above all by its absolutely remarkable variegated leaves. Its beautiful palmate leaves are a vibrant green with irregular splashes of yellow, then turn yellow-orange, red, and pink in autumn before falling. In winter, its brown corky bark reveals its unique charm. This light-loving species that prefers non-calcareous soil requires a prime location in the garden, ideally in isolation, to fully appreciate its splendor. 

 

The American sweetgum is a tree belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae, which includes many beautifully colored plants in autumn such as Hamamelis, Parrotia, and Loropetalum. This majestic tree is native to North America, specifically the banks of large rivers such as the Mississippi and Ohio. Its name, Liquidambar, comes from the Latin word "liquidus," meaning liquid, and the Arabic word "ambar," meaning amber, referring to the aromatic amber-colored resin that flows from its bark. Discovered in 1528, it was introduced to Europe in 1681.

The 'Aurea' cultivar reaches an average height of 9m (29 in 6 ft) under our climate, with a moderately fast growth rate. It develops a very vertical trunk and regularly spaced lateral branches, forming a dense crown with a distinct irregular pyramidal habit, with a base diameter of about 4.50m (14 in 10 ft). The deciduous foliage is the main asset of this tree. It consists of palmate leaves, divided into 5 to 9 finely toothed triangular lobes, alternately arranged on the branches. They are a speckled and splashed vibrant green, turning to flamboyant colours of yellow, orange, scarlet, and pink in autumn. The inconspicuous flowering occurs in April on trees aged 25 years and older, with separate male aments and pendulous glomerules of female flowers measuring 2 to 3cm (0.8 - 1.2 in) in diameter. After pollination, pom-pom-like fruits similar to those of the plane tree are formed. Each fruit consists of several capsules containing small winged seeds, resembling maple samaras. The bark of the American sweetgum is dark brown with corky crevices. This beautiful tree has a lifespan of about 150 years.

 

The 'Aurea' sweetgum requires a non-calcareous, deep, and moist but not waterlogged soil, as well as a sunny exposure. Once established, it requires no maintenance. It can be planted either as a standalone specimen on a lawn or in rows along a grand avenue or property boundary. The 'Aurea' sweetgum can often be found in public spaces, where it stands out with its superb colors from spring to autumn. You can also combine it with other colorful trees such as Ginkgo Biloba, Toona sinensis Flamingo, Nyssa sylvatica, and Hamamelis to create a beautiful autumnal palette, as they all thrive in similar cool environments and deep soils.

 

Properties:

The aromatic resin exuded by the bark is also known as styrax or liquidambar balm. It was once used in aromatherapy, primarily by indigenous populations, and later, upon its arrival in Europe, by cosmetics manufacturers who incorporated it into various preparations such as milks or beauty creams. The wood of the liquidambar, which is reddish-brown in color and renowned for its fragrance and mechanical qualities, was widely used in cabinetmaking for the production of precious furniture.

Liquidambar styraciflua Aurea in pictures

Liquidambar styraciflua  Aurea (Foliage) Foliage
Liquidambar styraciflua  Aurea (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 9 m
Spread at maturity 4.50 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time April
Fruit colour green

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour golden
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Liquidambar

Species

styraciflua

Cultivar

Aurea

Family

Hamamelidaceae

Other common names

Copalme d'Amérique, Styrax d'Amérique

Origin

North America

Product reference841372

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Planting and care

The Liquidambar styraciflua Aurea thrives in sunny locations sheltered from strong winds, in a light and deep soil, moist but not marshy, preferably acidic and definitely not chalky, preferably humus-bearing and loamy. During planting, mix your soil with 50% compost. Pruning is not necessary. Water regularly during the first years to help it establish, and apply a base fertilizer every spring. It is a tree resistant to diseases and pests.

Planting period

Best planting time February, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, fertile.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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