Sweet Gum Tree, Liquidambar Styraciflua, Plant

描述

This is a large tree but can be kept small with pruning (in a large pot foe example) and is ideal for bonsai. The palmately lobed leaves are bronze in Spring, green in the Summer and turn to spectacular orange and red late Autumn, when the grenade-like fruits gives an additional feature on older trees. Easy to grow and quite drought tolerant. Also known as: Gum tree Native to: US Family: Altingiaceae - Sweetgum Family Habit (UK conditions): medium tree (fast grower) Max size in 10 years (UK conditions, if unpruned): 6 x 3m Main value: colourful leaves in Autumn Flowers are: yellow, small, not significant (but the developing grenade-shaped fruits are quirky enough to raise attantion) Flowering period: May Autumn coloration: orange, red, purple (sometimes yellow) Preferences: full sun or light shade, regular watering in dry periods, slightly acidic soil is best Hardiness: hardy in the UK and in Western, Central and Southern Europe Known hazards: none to our knowledge Edible uses: the sap is used as a chewing gum in some parts of the US