oriental sweet gum

Also known as: balm of Gilead (of the Bible); liquid storax; lordwood

L. orientalis is a slow-growing, large shrub or bushy tree with five-lobed, palmate leaves turning red, yellow and orange in autumn. Inconspicuous green flowers are followed by spiky, spherical seed clusters that persist into winter

Scientific classification

Species: oriental sweet gum (Liquidambar orientalis)
Genus: Liquidambar
Family: Hamamelidaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

oriental sweet gum pictures

Distribution of oriental sweet gum

Distribution map

Southwestern Turkey

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of oriental sweet gum

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oriental sweet gum care guide

Deep occasional watering, withstand mild seasonal dryness
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep occasional watering, withstand mild seasonal dryness

Fertilizing

General deciduous tree feed applied single time early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings

Growing

Grow in moderately fertile, preferably acid or neutral, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun for best autumn colour. See tree cultivation for further advice

More growing and care information →