Liquidambar styraciflua Rotundiloba - American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua Rotundiloba is a variety of American Sweetgum that is primarily  distinguished from the species-type by its leaves, which are divided into rounded lobes, reminiscent of the field maple. This beautiful deciduous tree of medium stature has real ornamental qualities due to its slender conical habit, but especially because of the autumn colours of its foliage, exceptional in acidic soil. This light-loving species prefers non-limestone soil and requires a well-cleared location in the garden, either alone or in a line, allowing it to be admired in all its splendour.

The American Sweetgum is a tree of the Hamamelidaceae family which contains many plants  bearing beautiful autumn colours such as Hamamelis, Parrotia, and Loropetalum. This majestic tree is native to North America, specifically from the banks of large rivers like the Mississippi and Ohio. Its name, Liquidambar, comes from the Latin "liquidus" (liquid) and the Arabic "ambar" (amber) because of the aromatic oleoresin of amber colour that flows from its bark. Discovered in 1528, it was introduced to Europe in 1681.

The Rotundiloba cultivar reaches an average height of 18-20 m (59 - 65 ft) in our gardens, with fairly rapid growth. It develops a very vertical trunk topped with a dense, distinctly conical and closed crown, slightly irregular, with a diameter at the base reaching about 8 m (26 ft). The deciduous foliage is the main asset of this tree. It is composed of palmate leaves, 10 to 18 cm (3.9 - 7.1 in) long, divided into 5 to 9 very rounded lobes, arranged alternately on the branches. Dark green in colour, they become flamboyant in autumn. Inconspicuous flowering occurs in April on subjects aged 25 years and older, in the form of erect male aments separate from the female flowers, in the form of pendant glomerules, 2 to 3 cm (0.8 - 1.2 in) in diameter. After pollination, pompom-like fruits form, somewhat resembling those of the plane tree. Each fruit consists of several capsules that contain small winged seeds, similar to maple samaras. The bark of the liquidambar is dark brown, with corky crevices running through it. The lifespan of this beautiful tree is approximately 150 years.

The Rotundiloba liquidambar is perfectly hardy. This tree requires a non-limestone, deep, and moist but not waterlogged soil, as well as a sunny site. Once established, it requires no maintenance. It can be installed either alone on a large lawn, or in alignment along a wide pathway or at the edge of a property. Liquidambar styraciflua is found in parks, where it stands out for its superb autumn colours. Combine with other colourful trees that thrive in the same cool environments and deep soils, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Toona sinensis Flamingo, Nyssa sylvatica, large Japanese maples, and the bald cypress.

Properties:

The aromatic resin exuded by the bark is also called styrax or liquidambar balm. It was formerly used in aromatherapy, primarily by indigenous populations, and then, upon its arrival in Europe, by cosmetic manufacturers who incorporated it into various preparations such as body milks or beauty creams. The wood of the liquidambar, with its reddish-brown colour and renowned odour and mechanical qualities, was widely used in cabinetmaking for the production of fine furniture.