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Liquidambar

Liquidambar is a genus of flowering trees in the family Altingiaceae, comprising approximately 15 species of large deciduous and evergreen trees native to eastern North America, eastern Asia, and the eastern Mediterranean.^[1] These trees are characterized by their alternate, long-stalked leaves—often star-shaped and lobed in temperate deciduous species, with unlobed evergreen forms in subtropical ones—and their monoecious flowers arranged in yellowish-green globular heads, maturing into distinctive woody, spiny infructescences.^[2] The genus name, derived from the Latin liquidus (liquid) and the Arabic anbar (amber), alludes to the fragrant, amber-like resin produced by the bark, which has been historically used in perfumes, medicines, and adhesives.^[2] Notable species include Liquidambar styraciflua, the American sweetgum, which is widespread in the southeastern United States and valued for its vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, purple, and yellow, as well as its commercial timber used in furniture, plywood, and pulp.^[3] In East Asia, Liquidambar formosana and Liquidambar acalycina are prominent, with the former native to China, Taiwan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia, featuring similar deciduous habits and ecological roles in mixed forests.^[4] Liquidambar orientalis, found in southwestern Turkey and nearby Aegean islands, is an evergreen species prized for its storax resin, a key ingredient in ancient incense and modern fragrances.^[5] Members of the genus typically grow to 20–40 meters in height, with fissured bark and ovoid buds, thriving in moist, well-drained soils but tolerant of periodic flooding; however, their brittle wood makes them susceptible to storm damage.^[2] Ecologically, Liquidambar species support diverse wildlife, providing habitat and food, while their seeds—often winged but with low fertility rates—aid in dispersal.^[2] Cultivated widely for ornamental purposes due to their striking fall colors and shade, they are also significant in forestry, with L. styraciflua contributing to reforestation efforts in the U.S. South.^[6]

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name Liquidambar derives from the Latin word liquidus, meaning "liquid," and the Arabic ambar, meaning "amber," alluding to the fragrant, resinous sap exuded by the tree that resembles liquid amber in appearance and aroma.^[7] This nomenclature was established by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753, where he described the genus based on the distinctive properties of the exudate from species like Liquidambar styraciflua.^[8] The common name "sweetgum" originates from the sweet-tasting resin historically harvested and chewed as a natural gum by Native American communities and early European settlers in North America.^[9] Regional variations include "storax," derived from the ancient Greek term styrakos for a fragrant balsam resin, reflecting the tree's liquid exudate known as American storax.^[10] The linguistic roots of these names trace back to ancient Mediterranean uses of similar resins in perfumery and medicine; Greeks and Romans employed storax-like balsams for incense, ointments, and as a flavoring in wine, as documented by classical authors such as Pliny the Elder.^[11]

Extant species

The genus Liquidambar comprises 15 accepted extant species, as recognized in a comprehensive taxonomic synopsis of the family Altingiaceae.^[1] These species exhibit disjunct distributions, with the majority occurring in Asia (particularly China, Southeast Asia, and the eastern Mediterranean), one in eastern North America extending to Central America, and none in South America or Africa. The genus was recently reclassified within the segregate family Altingiaceae, distinct from the broader Hamamelidaceae, based on molecular and morphological evidence that supports the inclusion of former genera Altingia and Semiliquidambar under Liquidambar.^[1] Species distinctions often involve leaf lobing (ranging from 3 to 7 lobes, with some showing polymorphic variation), tree height (typically 20–40 m, though smaller in some), and fruit characteristics (woody capsules 2–4 cm in diameter, varying in spine length and density). Several species have synonyms from prior generic placements, such as Altingia cambodiana for L. cambodiana.^[12] Key species include Liquidambar styraciflua L., the American sweetgum, native to eastern North America from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas, extending southward to Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua). This large tree reaches up to 40 m tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown, featuring alternate, star-shaped leaves (7–19 cm long, 5–16 cm wide) typically with 5–7 lobes and rounded-toothed margins, shiny dark green above and turning brilliant red, purple, or yellow in autumn. Fruits are spiny, globose capsules (2.5–4 cm diameter).^[13]^[14] Liquidambar orientalis Mill., the Oriental sweetgum, is endemic to the eastern Mediterranean region, including southwestern Turkey, Rhodes (Greece), and Cyprus, where it forms pure stands in floodplains. It is a smaller deciduous tree (15–30 m tall) with coarsely toothed, 5-lobed leaves (to 8 cm across), each lobe further divided, and unlobed or shallowly lobed forms common; fall color ranges from yellow to purple. Fruits are smaller (about 2 cm) with shorter spines compared to L. styraciflua.^[15]^[5] Liquidambar formosana Hance, the Formosan sweetgum, is distributed across East Asia, including southern Korea, Taiwan, central and southern China, and northern Vietnam. This deciduous tree grows 30–40 m tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown, distinguished by 3-lobed (rarely 5-lobed) star-shaped leaves (10–15 cm wide) with serrated margins and acuminate tips, often pubescent on young shoots. Fruits are globose, 3–4 cm in diameter, with persistent styles.^[16]^[4] Other notable species are predominantly Asian and often rarer, with several exhibiting polymorphic leaf shapes (varying from unlobed to multi-lobed within individuals). Liquidambar acalycina H.T. Chang (synonym Semiliquidambar acalycina), native to southern China, is a slender tree to 25 m with 3- (rarely 5-) lobed leaves (5–10 cm long), glabrous and turning red in fall; it is considered rare in the wild.^[17]^[18] Liquidambar cambodiana (Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen (synonym Altingia cambodiana), restricted to Cambodia, is a tropical tree with shallowly 3–5-lobed leaves and small fruits (2 cm), known from few collections.^[12] Liquidambar caudata (H.T. Chang) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen (synonym Semiliquidambar caudata), from southern China, shows highly variable leaf morphology (3–7 lobes, sometimes unlobed) and reaches 20–30 m; fruits have prominent persistent styles.^[1] The remaining species, such as L. chingii (southern China to Vietnam, 3–5-lobed leaves with suprabasal venation), L. chinensis (southern China to Vietnam, evergreen, 5-lobed leaves), L. excelsa (Bhutan to Malesia, large 5–7-lobed leaves), L. gracilipes (China, slender leaves), L. multinervis (northern Guizhou, China, 3–5-lobed leaves with strong venation), L. nobilis (China, multi-lobed polymorphic leaves), L. obovata (Hainan, China, shallowly lobed leaves), L. poilanei (Vietnam, rare with 3-lobed leaves), L. siamensis (southern China to Thailand, 5-lobed leaves), and L. yunnanensis (southeastern Yunnan, China, to Vietnam, variable lobing), further illustrate the genus's diversity in subtropical to tropical forests, with many sharing resinous properties but differing in fruit spine density and leaf pubescence.^[1]^[19]^[20]

Species	Native Region	Distinguishing Traits
L. acalycina H.T. Chang	Southern China	Slender tree to 25 m; 3–5-lobed glabrous leaves (5–10 cm), red in fall; small fruits (2–3 cm).^[17]
L. cambodiana (Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	Cambodia	Tree to 20 m; shallowly 3–5-lobed leaves; compact spiny fruits (2 cm); rare.^[12]
L. caudata (H.T. Chang) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	Southern China	20–30 m tall; polymorphic leaves (3–7 lobes or unlobed); fruits with long styles.^[1]
L. chingii (F.P.Metcalf) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	Southern China to Vietnam	Tree to 25 m; 3–5-lobed leaves with unique venation; smaller stature.^[19]
L. chinensis Champ. ex Benth.	Southern China to Vietnam	20–30 m; evergreen, 5-lobed leaves; fruits 3 cm with dense spines.^[20]
L. excelsa (Noronha) Oken	Bhutan, China (SE Yunnan), Malesia	Large tree to 40 m; 5–7-lobed broad leaves (15 cm); tropical fruits 4 cm.^[21]
L. formosana Hance	S. Korea, Taiwan, C/S China, N. Vietnam	30–40 m; 3-lobed star leaves (10–15 cm), pubescent petioles; globose fruits 3–4 cm.^[16]
L. gracilipes (H.T. Chang) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	China	Slender tree; narrow 3–5-lobed leaves; rare, with elongated fruits.^[1]
L. multinervis (W.C.Cheng) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	China (N. Guizhou)	Tree to 20 m; 3–5-lobed leaves with prominent venation; fruits 2–3 cm.^[22]
L. nobilis (H.T. Chang) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	China	20 m; polymorphic multi-lobed leaves; compact crown.^[1]
L. obovata (Merr. & Chun) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	China (Hainan)	Tree to 20 m; shallowly 3–5-lobed or unlobed leaves; small spiny fruits (~2 cm); rare.^[23]
L. orientalis Mill.	E. Mediterranean (Turkey, Greece, Cyprus)	15–30 m; 5-lobed leaves (8 cm) with secondary lobing; smaller spiny fruits (2 cm).^[15]
L. poilanei (Tardieu) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	Vietnam	Tree to 25 m; 3-lobed leaves; endemic and rare.^[1]
L. siamensis (Craib) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	S. China to Thailand, Vietnam	30 m; 5-lobed leaves; fruits with medium spines (3 cm).^[1]
L. styraciflua L.	E. North America to Central America	40 m; 5–7-lobed star leaves (7–19 cm), fall color; spiny fruits 2.5–4 cm.^[13]
L. yunnanensis (Rehder & E.H. Wilson) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen	SE China (Yunnan) to Vietnam	25–35 m; variable 3–5-lobed leaves; polymorphic forms common.^[24]

Fossil record

The genus Liquidambar originated in the Late Cretaceous, with the earliest known fossils consisting of leaf impressions from North American deposits dating to approximately 80 million years ago.^[25] Fossil inflorescences assigned to the genus also appear in Upper Cretaceous strata of North America, marking the initial diversification of Altingiaceae.^[26] The genus achieved peak diversity during the Tertiary period (Paleogene to Neogene), with numerous species documented across Laurasian continents through leaves, fruits, and pollen.^[10] Key fossil species illustrate this historical range and morphological variation. Liquidambar changii, from the Middle Miocene of central Washington, North America, is represented by anatomically preserved infructescences that reveal details of fruit structure and seed development, including 1–2 mature seeds per carpel alongside aborted ovules.^[27] In contrast, Liquidambar maomingensis from the late Eocene of the Maoming Basin, South China, features polymorphic leaves with 3–5 lobes and associated capitate infructescences, suggesting an ancestral polymorphic lineage within the genus.^[28] Other notable taxa span the Eocene to Quaternary, such as Liquidambar bella from the Eocene of Hainan Island, China, and various leaf forms from European Miocene sites.^[29] A recent 2024 discovery of structurally preserved infructescences, leaves, and pollen from the late Oligocene Nanning Basin, South China, provides new evidence of seed dispersal mechanisms through winged structures and highlights transitional morphologies between Liquidambar and related altingioid genera.^[30] During the Tertiary, Liquidambar exhibited a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America, reflecting warm, mesic paleoenvironments.^[31] Pleistocene glaciation restricted its range, resulting in current relict populations and local extinctions, particularly from Europe and western North America. Evolutionarily, the genus's disjunct modern distribution—spanning eastern Asia, western Asia, and eastern North America—arises from vicariance following the divergence of Altingiaceae lineages in the early Paleogene, as supported by chloroplast DNA analyses.^[32]

Biology

Morphology

Liquidambar species are large trees, primarily deciduous in temperate regions but some subtropical species are evergreen, typically reaching 20–40 m in height though sizes vary by species, with straight trunks and crowns that transition from pyramidal in youth to rounded and spreading in maturity. They exhibit a monoecious habit, with male and female reproductive structures on the same plant. Mature individuals often develop buttressed bases at the trunk for enhanced stability.^[33]^[34]^[35]^[2] Leaves are alternate and long-stalked. In deciduous species, they are palmately lobed with 3–7 lobes, up to 20 cm long, giving them a distinctive star-shaped appearance with serrated margins and long petioles; they are glossy green during the growing season but renowned for their vibrant autumn coloration in shades of red, orange, and purple, resulting from the accumulation of anthocyanins in response to environmental cues such as cooler temperatures and increased sunlight. Evergreen species have unlobed, entire or serrated leaves that remain green year-round.^[13]^[7]^[36]^[2] Stems and branches feature grayish bark that becomes deeply furrowed with age, often developing corky ridges on younger branches for added protection. The genus is notable for resin canals distributed throughout the stems, leaves, and other vegetative tissues, which produce aromatic, resinous exudates upon injury.^[37]^[7]^[38] Growth rates are moderate to fast, particularly on moist, well-drained sites, allowing the trees to pioneer disturbed areas and form dense stands.^[6]^[35]

Reproduction

Liquidambar species are monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same tree within separate inflorescences.^[6] Male flowers form pendulous catkins consisting of racemes of staminate florets, while female flowers develop in upright, globose spikes or heads of pistillate florets; both are small, greenish, and non-showy.^[39]^[40] These wind-pollinated flowers typically bloom from March to early May, varying by latitude and species.^[6]^[3] Following pollination, female inflorescences mature into aggregate fruits composed of numerous woody capsules that form distinctive spiny, spherical structures commonly known as "gumballs," measuring 2–4 cm in diameter.^[3]^[41] These fruits persist on the tree through winter, turning dark brown and remaining intact until dehiscing in late winter or early spring to release seeds.^[6]^[3] Each fruit contains up to 100 small seeds, typically 1–2 per individual capsule within the aggregate, with thin wings facilitating anemochory or wind dispersal.^[41]^[42] Seed dispersal occurs primarily in autumn and winter, with most seeds falling within 60 m of the parent tree, though distances up to 180 m have been recorded.^[6] Flowering in Liquidambar is phenologically synchronized within populations, often producing fair seed crops annually and abundant crops every few years, with trees capable of reproduction from 20–30 years of age onward.^[6] The genus's resin production, including in floral and foliar tissues, plays a role in deterring herbivores during vulnerable reproductive phases by chemically inhibiting feeding.^[43]^[44]

Distribution and ecology

Geographic distribution

The genus Liquidambar exhibits a disjunct native distribution across three primary regions: eastern North America, the eastern Mediterranean, and East and Southeast Asia. In eastern North America, L. styraciflua is the sole species, ranging from southern Connecticut and southern Indiana southward through the eastern United States to central Florida and eastern Texas, extending westward to Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, and further into northeastern Mexico and montane regions of Central America as far south as Nicaragua. In the eastern Mediterranean, L. orientalis is endemic to southwestern Turkey and the Greek island of Rhodes, occurring primarily in floodplain and valley habitats up to 1,800 meters elevation. The majority of species are concentrated in East and Southeast Asia, including L. formosana in central and southern China, Taiwan, South Korea, and northern Vietnam; L. chinensis in southern China to Vietnam; L. excelsa from Bhutan through southeastern Yunnan, China, to western Malesia; L. cambodiana in Cambodia; and L. acalycina in southern China. These Asian species typically inhabit subtropical and temperate forests. Beyond their native ranges, Liquidambar species have been widely introduced and cultivated as ornamentals in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. L. styraciflua and L. formosana are commonly planted in Europe, including the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as in India, Australia, and New Zealand, where they thrive in urban and landscaped settings. In some introduced areas, such as New Zealand, L. styraciflua has naturalized in disturbed sites. This disjunct biogeographic pattern reflects a relict distribution from the Tertiary period, shaped by continental drift, the fragmentation of the Tethys seaway, and subsequent climate oscillations that isolated populations across continents. For instance, L. styraciflua occupies lowland coastal plains and rich bottomlands in the southeastern U.S., while Asian species like L. formosana are found in moist subtropical forests of central China and Taiwan.

Habitat and ecological role

Liquidambar species thrive in a variety of temperate to subtropical forest environments, predominantly favoring moist, well-drained soils such as alluvial clays and loams with medium texture and imperfect drainage. They are commonly found in bottomlands, floodplains, river valleys, and moist woodlands, where they tolerate periodic flooding but often prefer upland sites with consistent moisture availability. Soil pH preferences range from slightly acidic to neutral, though some species like Liquidambar orientalis adapt to alkaline conditions in hydromorphic soils rich in organic matter and low in salinity. Annual rainfall in their habitats typically exceeds 1000 mm, supporting their growth in climates with 180–320 frost-free days and temperatures ranging from -21°C to 38°C.^[6]^[45]^[46]^[47] Ecologically, Liquidambar acts as a pioneer species in disturbed habitats, readily colonizing old fields, logged areas, and post-fire sites to form dense, nearly pure stands that facilitate secondary succession in upland and coastal plain ecosystems. Their spiny, ball-like fruits provide a vital food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, while the trees offer shelter and nesting sites, enhancing biodiversity in mixed forests. The resin exuded by Liquidambar species serves as an antimicrobial defense mechanism, protecting against pathogens and wounds, which contributes to their resilience in dynamic environments. Additionally, the colorful fall foliage decomposes to enrich soil organic matter, playing a key role in nutrient cycling by returning essential elements like nitrogen and carbon to the forest floor.^[6]^[45]^[48]^[35]^[49] Liquidambar engages in several biotic interactions that bolster its ecological integration. Primarily wind-pollinated, the trees occasionally attract insects to their catkins, supporting pollinator communities indirectly. They form symbiotic associations with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as Glomus mosseae, which enhance nutrient uptake—particularly phosphorus—and improve seedling establishment in nutrient-poor soils. These mutualisms underscore Liquidambar's contribution to soil health and forest stability.^[6]^[50] While the genus faces no global conservation threats, disjunct populations are vulnerable to climate change, which may alter moisture regimes and temperature extremes, potentially contracting suitable habitats for species like L. orientalis in the Mediterranean. Local rarity persists in relict stands, such as those of L. orientalis in Turkey, where habitat loss has reduced forest area from 7000 ha to 1657 ha over two centuries due to anthropogenic pressures.^[51] In China, broader distributions remain stable.^[52]

Uses and cultivation

Ornamental and medicinal uses

Liquidambar species, particularly Liquidambar styraciflua, are widely appreciated for their ornamental value in landscaping and urban forestry. These trees are planted for their vibrant fall foliage, which transforms into shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, creating striking seasonal displays that enhance parks, streets, and residential areas. The star-shaped leaves and corky bark ridges provide year-round textural interest, while the broad canopy offers substantial shade in suitable sites away from high foot traffic.^[37] Specific cultivars amplify these aesthetic qualities and address practical concerns. For instance, L. styraciflua 'Rotundiloba' features rounded leaf lobes instead of the typical pointed ones, along with deep red autumn coloration, making it a favored selection for specimen plantings in lawns or as street trees. This fruitless variety, first described in 1931 and propagated since 1968, reduces maintenance issues while maintaining the tree's visual appeal, though it may develop a narrow-angled branch structure prone to storm damage. Other cultivars, such as 'Moraine' with its upright form and reliable red fall color, further expand options for colder climates like northern Illinois.^[53]^[37] The resin of Liquidambar, known as storax, has a long history in traditional medicine as an expectorant and antiseptic for treating ailments like coughs, ulcers, and skin issues. In traditional Chinese medicine, extracts from L. formosana fruits, including compounds like bertulonic acid, are employed to promote blood circulation and exhibit antihepatotoxic effects, such as reducing liver enzyme levels in experimental models. Native American communities, including the Cherokee and Choctaw, historically applied storax to wounds for its healing properties, as well as for controlling coughs and dysentery, often mixing the sap with other plants for sedative effects.^[35] Storax also holds cultural significance, particularly in Asian traditions where it features in perfumery for its warm, balsamic scent derived from the resin's aromatic compounds, contributing to incense blends and fragrances. In regions of its native range, such as Turkey for L. orientalis, the resin has been valued since ancient times in folk practices and religious ceremonies for its fragrant properties. However, despite these benefits, the spiky, persistent fruits of fruit-bearing varieties pose limitations in urban settings, creating litter on hard surfaces like sidewalks and posing slipping hazards, which has led to preferences for seedless cultivars in maintained landscapes.^[54]^[55]

Timber and industrial applications

The wood of Liquidambar styraciflua, the primary commercial species in the United States, is characterized by its moderate hardness, with a Janka rating of 850 lbf, interlocked grain, fine and uniform texture, and an average dried density of 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³).^[56] These properties make it suitable for a range of applications, including veneer production, plywood manufacturing, furniture construction (particularly acoustic cabinets), interior trim, boxes, crates, and turned objects.^[56] Additionally, the lumber is used for millwork, crossties, fencing, excelsior, and pulpwood, contributing to its versatility in the hardwood industry.^[57] Resin extraction from Liquidambar species yields storax balsam, a fragrant sap obtained by damaging the bark, which has industrial applications in adhesives, lacquers, soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.^[35] Historically, the hardened sap served as a natural chewing gum, particularly among Native American communities and early settlers.^[35] In pharmaceutical contexts, storax from L. styraciflua has been incorporated into ointments and syrups, while L. orientalis provides a substitute used in Europe and Mexico for similar purposes.^[57] L. styraciflua holds significant economic value in the American lumber industry, where it supports production of veneer, plywood, and pulpwood on a commercial scale across the southeastern United States.^[57] In Asia, species such as L. orientalis contribute to exports of specialty woods and balsam, with storax valued in international markets for perfumery, pharmaceuticals, and varnish manufacturing.^[58]

Cultivation practices

Liquidambar trees thrive in full sun exposure, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote vigorous growth and optimal fall coloration.^[59] They prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, though they adapt to a range of soil types including clay and loam, and tolerate occasional wet conditions.^[46] Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, these trees are hardy in temperate climates but may experience winter injury in the colder extremes of zone 5.^[3] For mature specimens reaching 60 to 75 feet in height and 40 to 50 feet in spread, plant spacing of 50 feet (approximately 15 meters) is recommended to allow for full canopy development without competition.^[60] Propagation of Liquidambar is commonly achieved through seeds, which require cold, moist stratification at 41°F for 15 to 90 days to break dormancy and enhance germination rates, typically sown in spring after treatment.^[61] Softwood or hardwood stem cuttings, treated with rooting hormones, root successfully under high humidity and mist, providing a means to propagate selected cultivars, while grafting onto seedling rootstock is used for desirable traits like disease resistance.^[62]^[63] Spring is the ideal time for initiating propagation to align with the tree's active growth phase. Ongoing care involves moderate watering to maintain soil moisture, particularly for young trees during the first two years, with established plants showing good drought tolerance once rooted deeply.^[64] Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove dead or crossing branches, promoting a strong central leader and reducing disease entry points.^[65] Liquidambar exhibits tolerance to urban pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes, though it remains susceptible to canker diseases like Botryosphaeria, which cause trunk lesions and require prompt removal of infected tissue to manage spread.^[66]^[67] Key pests include bagworms, which construct protective leaf sacks and defoliate branches; small infestations can be controlled by hand-picking, while larger ones may necessitate Bacillus thuringiensis applications.^[65] Although generally resistant to Verticillium wilt, some cultivars may show vulnerability under stress, with management focusing on soil health and avoiding wounded planting sites.^[65] Post-2020 studies, including a 2025 analysis of urban trees in Australia, highlight increased susceptibility to prolonged droughts in urban settings for Liquidambar styraciflua, underscoring the need for supplemental irrigation during extreme weather.^[68] Drought and other stresses can exacerbate canker diseases and pest issues.^[69] Selected cultivars enhance cultivation options, such as 'Gumball' and 'Oconee' for compact, shrub-like growth reaching only 10 to 15 feet tall, ideal for smaller landscapes, or 'Slender Silhouette' for narrow, columnar forms up to 50 feet high with minimal spread.^[3] Variegated varieties like 'Variegata' offer ornamental appeal with cream-edged leaves, while 'Rotundiloba' provides rounded lobes and fruitless habit to reduce litter.^[70] These selections are propagated vegetatively to preserve traits and improve adaptability in horticultural settings.^[13] Recent genomic research, including a 2024 chromosome-level assembly of L. styraciflua, facilitates breeding for improved traits such as disease resistance and climate adaptation.^[71] Hybrids with L. formosana demonstrate enhanced productivity for timber and bioenergy applications.^[72] The species has acclimatized successfully in regions like Ukraine as of 2025.^[73]

References

[1]
A taxonomic synopsis of Altingiaceae with nine new combinations
Dec 17, 2013 · The following nine new combinations are herein made: Liquidambar cambodiana (Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J. Wen, Liquidambar caudata (H. T. Chang) ...
[2]
Liquidambar - Trees and Shrubs Online
The subtropical species have mostly unlobed, evergreen leaves. All species are monoecious, with flowers usually in condensed, globular panicles, yellowish green ...
[3]
Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum, Redgum, Red Sweet ...
American sweetgum is a woody, deciduous tree frequently found in wet river bottoms, in swamps that frequently flood, and on drier uplands.
[4]
Liquidambar formosana Hance | Plants of the World Online
POWO follows these authorities in accepting this name: Ickert-Bond, S.M. & Wen, J. (2013). A taxonomic synopsis of Altingiaceae with nine new combinations.
[5]
Liquidambar orientalis Mill. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
The native range of this species is E. Aegean Islands (Rodos) to W. & SW. Türkiye. It is a tree and grows primarily in the temperate biome.
[6]
Liquidambar styraciflua L - Southern Research Station - USDA
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), also called redgum, sapgum, starleaf-gum, or bilsted, is a common bottom-land species of the South where it grows biggest.Missing: genus | Show results with:genus
[7]
Liquidambar - FNA - Flora of North America
Nov 5, 2020 · 1754. Frederick G. Meyer. Etymology: Latin liquidus, fluid, liquid, and Arabic ambar, amber ... Taxon name. Liquidambar + · Taxon parent.
[8]
Liquidambar in Flora of North America @ efloras.org
Liquidambar Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 999. 1753; Gen. Pl. ed. 5, 434, 1754. [Latin liquidus, fluid, liquid, and Arabic ambar, amber].
[9]
Liquidambar styraciflua - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden
Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweet gum, is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri
[10]
[PDF] Tree of the Year: Liquidambar Eric Hsu and Susyn Andrews
Nov 25, 1987 · Linnaeus first described Liquidambar as a genus in 1753 in Species Plantarum and in the fifth edition of Genera Plantarum in 1754.
[11]
The Scent of History: From the Origins to the Middle Ages
Jun 21, 2024 · Storax liquid came from the lands of Caria and Sicily, while Cyprus supplied the precious labdanum. Galbanum, the Balm of Judea and the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
Liquidambar cambodiana (Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen - POWO
Liquidambar cambodiana (Lecomte) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen ... The native range of this species is Cambodia. It is a tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.
[13]
Liquidambar styraciflua | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
In the pharmaeutical trade material is known as liquid-amber, or copalm balm, or storax. Native Americans used it medicinally as well as for chewing gum.Missing: origin | Show results with:origin<|control11|><|separator|>
[14]
Liquidambar styraciflua L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
The native range of this species is Central & E. U.S.A. to Central America. It is a tree and grows primarily in the temperate biome.
[15]
Liquidambar orientalis - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden
Coarsely toothed, 5-lobed leaves (to 3” across) are smaller than those of other species of sweet gum. Each leaf lobe is additionally lobed. Fall color varies ...Missing: morphological | Show results with:morphological
[16]
Liquidambar formosana (Chinese Sweetgum, Formosan Sweetgum)
Alternate, simple star-shaped leaves with 3 lobes (instead of the 5-7 lobes of other Liquidambar spp.), palmate; acuminate tips and cordate to truncate bases.Missing: morphological | Show results with:morphological
[17]
Liquidambar acalycina - Trees and Shrubs Online
Tree to 25 m, often slender with a single axis. Bark smooth, grey, cracking into shallow rectangular plates after c. 30 years. Shoots glabrous and with ...Missing: morphological | Show results with:morphological
[18]
Liquidambar acalycina H.T.Chang - Plants of the World Online
POWO follows these authorities in accepting this name: Ickert-Bond, S.M. & Wen, J. (2013). A taxonomic synopsis of Altingiaceae with nine new combinations.
[19]
Liquidambar chingii (F.P.Metcalf) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen - POWO
The native range of this species is S. China to Vietnam. It is a tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. Taxonomy · General information.
[20]
Liquidambar chinensis Champ. ex Benth. | Plants of the World Online
POWO follows these authorities in accepting this name: Ickert-Bond, S.M. & Wen, J. (2013). A taxonomic synopsis of Altingiaceae with nine new combinations.<|control11|><|separator|>
[21]
Liquidambar excelsa (Noronha) Oken | Plants of the World Online
The native range of this species is Bhutan to China (SE. Yunnan) and W. Malesia. It is a tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.
[22]
Liquidambar yunnanensis (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen
The native range of this species is China (SE. Yunnan) to Vietnam. It is a tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
A Cretaceous Sweet Gum | Botanical Gazette: Vol 94, No 3
Liquidambar fontanella Brown, together with thirteen other fossil plants, was obtained in a collection from the Upper Cretaceous Aspen shale in southwestern ...
[24]
Liquidambar - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The genus includes small (2.2 mm long), bisexual flowers with sepals and petals in fives. The gynoecium is formed by two fused carpels. Insect pollination is ...
[25]
Anatomically preserved Liquidambar (Altingiaceae) from the middle ...
Mar 1, 2004 · In the present study we describe a new species, Liquidambar changii Pigg, Ickert-Bond & Wen, based on anatomically preserved infructescences ...
[26]
Liquidambar maomingensis sp. nov. (Altingiaceae) from the late ...
Aug 1, 2015 · We present here a new fossil species, Liquidambar maomingensis sp. nov. based on a large number of specimens, which significantly extends ...
[27]
Evidence for the evolutionary history and diversity of fossil ...
Dec 14, 2023 · In this study, two new species of Liquidambar are described from the Eocene of Hainan Island, South China: L. hainanensis on basis of the leaf fossils, and L. ...
[28]
Structurally Preserved Liquidambar Infructescences, Associated ...
Jan 17, 2024 · This study presents the first occurrence of Liquidambar in the Oligocene of South China. Fossil sweetgum infructescences, associated pollen, and leaves have ...
[29]
Liquidambar styraciflua - Oxford University Plants 400
Although there are only four species in the genus Liquidambar, they are remarkably widely distributed, with species native to Turkey, Central and North America ...
[30]
(PDF) Phylogeny and biogeography of Altingiaceae: Evidence from ...
Ickert-Bond and Wen (2013) listed all taxa (15 species) of Altingiaceae in Liquidambar in their monographic revision of the family. The family's crown group age ...
[31]
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) | Native Plants of North America
### Morphology Summary for Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum)
[32]
Sweetgum, Confederate Native Becoming Yankee Favorite
Liquidambar is one of the 3 principle timber-contributing genera of the witch-hazel family; and L. styraciflua is one of the more commercially important US ...
[33]
Sweetgum: An ancient source of beneficial compounds with modern ...
The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. More recently, storax has proven to be ...
[34]
Accumulation of Anthocyanidins Determines Leaf Color of ... - NIH
Jan 7, 2022 · The variety ZF retains a purple-red leaf color throughout the growing season of a year, while the variety NLH has red leaves in spring that turn ...
[35]
Sweet-gum | Liquidambar styraciflua | The Morton Arboretum
Mature trees have a grayish-brown, deeply furrowed bark with narrow ridges. Some trees develop interesting corky ridges on two year old stems. Leaf Description.Missing: buttressed | Show results with:buttressed
[36]
Phylogeny and biogeography of Altingiaceae - ScienceDirect.com
The Altingiaceae consist of ∼15 species that are disjunctly distributed in Asia and North America. The genus Liquidambar has been employed as a biogeographic ...
[37]
American Sweetgum | Yale Nature Walk
Mar 3, 2016 · Liquidambar styraciflua is known as the American sweetgum. It is a deciduous tree that can be found in southeastern US, as well as southern Mexico and Central ...
[38]
sweetgum tree - School of Natural Resources
Flower, female: rounded, 2-beaked; male: upright, panicle; male and female on same tree (monoecious). Fruit, globe-shaped, composite of capsules, opening ...
[39]
American Sweetgum | Yale Nature Walk
Apr 21, 2014 · Liquidambar styraciflua ... Each of these balls contains a cluster of about sixty capsule fruits and within each fruit there are 1-2 seeds.Missing: per | Show results with:per
[40]
sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Weed Profile
The fruit is round like a gumball with spikes and hangs by a woody stem. The gumball is actually a cluster of capsules, each capsule contains 2 seeds.Missing: per | Show results with:per
[41]
The origin and dynamic evolution of chemical information transfer
Dec 22, 2010 · Foliar and floral resins are chemically similar; both deter feeding and leaf-cutting. Thus, the most parsimonious explanation is that the resin ...
[42]
Do Latex and Resin Canals Spur Plant Diversification?
Tests with whole latex or resin have documented a direct role for the secretions in deterring feeding or reducing growth in diverse herbivores (Kniep 1905; ...Missing: reproduction | Show results with:reproduction
[43]
Rain Garden Plants: Sweetgum
### Summary of Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) from https://extension.psu.edu/rain-garden-plants-sweetgum
[44]
Sweetgum | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), native to the lower two-thirds of the Eastern United States and parts of Mexico, is only found naturally in Ohio in its ...Missing: per | Show results with:per
[45]
Ecology of tertiary relict endemic Liquidambar orientalis Mill. forests
Aug 6, 2025 · It is mainly distributed on sandy soils, with an alkaline pH. The CaCO3 content in the soils show a medium value and the percentage of total ...
[46]
(PDF) Antibacterial Effect of Liquidambar Orientalis Miller Resin on ...
However, in this study, it was determined that Liquidambar Orientalis Miller resin has an antibacterial effect on nosocomial infection agent bacteria. Our ...
[47]
American Sweetgum Tree: 7 Benefits For American Farming
Oct 21, 2025 · Leaf Litter & Nutrient Cycling: The leaf litter from sweetgum contributes organic matter to fields, enriching soil and promoting nutrient ...
[48]
Effectiveness of Commercial Mycorrhizal Inoculants on the Growth of ...
Aug 9, 2025 · The effectiveness of several commercial mycorrhizal inoculants on the growth and development of Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) was ...Missing: pollination | Show results with:pollination
[49]
Predicting the effect of climate change on the geographic range of ...
Apr 5, 2024 · The primary objective of this study was to predict the future geographic range of Liquidambar orientalis, commonly known as the oriental ...
[50]
Liquidambar in Flora of China @ efloras.org
Five species: E and SW Asia, Central and North America; two species (one endemic) in China. The resin, stems, leaves, and fruit are used medicinally.Missing: endangered | Show results with:endangered
[51]
Cultivar Checklist For Liquidambar and Liriodendron
Autumn leaf color of the American tuliptree can be an attractive yellow while the leaves of American sweetgum may range from yellow through red to deep maroon.
[52]
Properties and usage of Liquidambar orientalis - OAText
Liquidambar orientalis is used in medicine and cosmetics, with its oil used in soaps and perfumery. It has been used for skin, gastric, and respiratory issues.
[53]
[PDF] Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum - Environmental Horticulture
Sweetgum grows in a narrow pyramid to a height of 75 feet and may spread to 50 feet (Fig. 1). The beautifully glossy, star-shaped leaves turn bright red,.Missing: morphological | Show results with:morphological
[54]
Sweetgum | The Wood Database (Hardwood)
Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, furniture (speaker/acoustic cabinets), interior trim, boxes/crates, and turned objects. Comments: Not to be confused with various ...
[55]
Liquidambar styraciflua - Forest Service - USDA
Sweetgum grows from Connecticut southward throughout the East to central Florida and eastern Texas. It is found as far west as Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
[56]
Non-Wood News - No. 5 - Products and Markets
Liquidambar balsam is used as a raw material for the perfume and pharmaceutical industries and the manufacture of varnishes. In the East it is used as an ...
[57]
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)-Hort Answers - Illinois Extension
Full sun; moist, well drained soil; prefers acid soil; tolerates wet sites. Cultivars. These cultivars are considered to be more cold hardy: 'Cherokee'- ...Missing: cultivation practices
[58]
Sweetgum - NYS Horticulture Study Guide For Youth
Oct 20, 2015 · When planting, these trees should be spaced 50 feet apart. What are its primary problems? Sweet gum is subject to twig kill in severe winters.
[59]
[PDF] Plant Fact Sheet
It is a large deciduous hardwood tree, which can grow to over 100 feet in ... Sweetgum can regenerate naturally from root sprouts following logging. It ...Missing: buttress | Show results with:buttress
[60]
[PDF] Rooting Compounds Tested for Sweet Gum Cuttings, Vol.7, Issue 3
A possible solution for the perpetuation of Sweet Gums with superior leaf color is propagation by cuttings. An experiment was conducted using this method and ...
[61]
Liquidambar styraciflua - PlantFacts - The Ohio State University
Liquidambar styraciflua is known as a pyramidal and rapidly growing shade tree in youth, becoming open and spreading in growth habit with age, and having shiny ...<|separator|>
[62]
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'
'Slender Silhouette' is a tall columnar cultivar of the sweet gum or the Altingiaceae family. As it matures, it will maintain its erect, uniform, columnar form.<|control11|><|separator|>
[63]
ENH-517/ST358: Liquidambar styraciflua: Sweetgum
Sweetgum grows in a narrow pyramid to a height of 75 feet and may spread to 50 feet. The beautifully glossy, star-shaped leaves turn bright red, purple, yellow ...Missing: morphological | Show results with:morphological
[64]
Plants that Tolerate Drought - Clemson HGIC
Nov 25, 2019 · Liquidambar styraciflua, 60 to 75′ 30 to 40′, Sun; prefers deep ... Sun; very tolerant of low fertility, dry soil and urban conditions.<|separator|>
[65]
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Liquidambar, Sweet ...
Diseases · Bacterial leaf scorch (similar to Oleander leaf scorch) · Canker diseases. Botryosphaeria canker ...
[66]
Urban Tree Growth and Drought Responses Show Evidence of ...
Jun 9, 2025 · This study investigates how urban trees respond to both long‐term climatic conditions and episodic extreme climate events.
[67]
Sweetgum or American Sweetgum | TreeBrowser | USU
Zones 5-9. Cultivars: 'Emerald Sentinel', 'Golden Treasure', 'Grandmaster', 'Gumball', 'Moraine', 'Oconee'', 'Rotundiloba', 'Silver King', 'Variegata'.