Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)

The American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a large, majestic deciduous tree belonging to the Altingiaceae family. Native to eastern North America and extending down through Mexico into Central America, it is widely recognised by its distinctive, five-pointed, star-shaped leaves.

It is predominantly grown for its extraordinary autumn colour. Unlike trees that turn a uniform shade of yellow or red, the Liquidambar provides a complex, overlapping display: amber, scarlet, deep burgundy, and dark purple foliage can all be found on the same tree in the exact same week. As the tree matures, the smaller branches often develop corky, winged outgrowths, adding remarkable texture to the winter landscape. Female flowers give way to distinctive, spiky, woody seed balls that persist into winter. Capable of reaching 15–25m in Australian conditions, it is a substantial tree that demands space. Our allocation was field-grown at seedling grade, lifted at full dormancy and potted on at Mittagong to establish through spring. We dispatch from Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, a region free of key plant pests, allowing direct delivery to the Eastern States and the ACT without additional treatment.

Here’s why we think you’ll love the Liquidambar:

• Species: Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum / Liquidambar)
• Provenance: Eastern North America through Mexico and Central America. Supplied through our specialist grower network.
• Foliage: Iconic five-pointed star shape; casts dense summer shade.
• Autumn Colour: Highly complex multi-tonal display (amber, scarlet, burgundy, purple).
• Winter Interest: Corky winged branches and persistent ornamental seed balls.
• Mature Scale: 15–25m tall (large, stately canopy tree).
• Best For: Avenue plantings, large home gardens, parklands, and estates.