Liquidambar formosana aka Formosan Sweet Gum

Liquidambar formosana is a deciduous tree called Chinese or Formosan sweetgum. It belongs to the Altingiaceae family. Its native range includes central and southern China, Taiwan, and South Korea. It also reaches northern Vietnam. It grows in woods, open land, and moist forests. Garden trees reach about 40–60 feet [12–18.3 metres] tall. Their crowns spread about 35–45 feet [10.7–13.7 metres] wide. RHS gives a height near 49 feet [15 metres]. Young trees have a cone-shaped crown that broadens with age. Older crowns may become round or uneven.

The bark ranges from dark brown to pale gray. Corky ridges mark the branches, which can shed twig litter. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each simple leaf has three pointed lobes and toothed edges. Leaves measure about 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] across. New leaves may have a purple tint in spring. They later turn glossy green, then change color in fall. Fall shades include yellow, red, orange, and purple. The strength of this color varies between trees.

Small yellow-green flowers appear from April through May. Male and female flowers grow separately on the same tree. Female flower clusters develop into round, spiny fruit balls. These turn dark brown as they ripen. Fruit appears in late summer and may stay through winter. The balls measure about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] across. They attract birds but can leave litter on paved ground. Their softer texture makes them less troublesome underfoot than American sweetgum fruit.

Give this tree sun, moist soil, and good drainage. It also accepts partial shade, but sun improves fall color. It grows in clay, loam, or sand. Acid to neutral soil suits it best. Alkaline ground can cause iron chlorosis. RHS recommends shelter and rates it H5. Most listed US guidance places it in zones 7–9. Oregon State also reports hardiness in zone 6. Young trees may need frost protection during their first few years.

This tree provides shade in large lawns, parks, and woodland gardens. It also serves as a specimen or bonsai. Roots can damage sidewalks, which limits some street uses. Its wood supplies furniture, flooring, and tea chests. People harvest its resin and use several parts in traditional medicine. These uses do not establish treatment safety or benefit. Sources report no known edible uses or hazards. Pest trouble varies, despite generally favorable reports. Bagworms, webworms, leaf miners, borers, and scale may attack it. Canker, honey fungus, leaf spots, and wood rot may occur.