Liquidambar styraciflua Aurea

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.