Formosan gum

Also known as: 枫香树 (fēng xiāng shù)

A deciduous tree to about 15m tall, broadly conical in outline. The 3-lobed leaves, turn to shades of red, orange and purple in autumn. Insignificant flowers in late spring are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn, which can remain on the tree into winter. Less hardy than other Liquidambars, requires a sheltered spot.

Scientific classification

Species: Formosan gum (Liquidambar formosana)
Genus: Liquidambar
Family: Hamamelidaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
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Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
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Ideal temperature

Formosan gum pictures

Distribution of Formosan gum

Distribution map

Eastern Asia

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Formosan gum

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Formosan gum care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

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 semi-hardwood cuttings

Growing

Grow in lime-free, moderately fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands or as a specimen tree. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour. See tree cultivation for further advice

More growing and care information →