Liquidambar formosana (Formosan gum)

Botanical name

Liquidambar formosana

Other names

Formosan gum, Chinese sweet gum, Liquidambar formosana var. monticola

Genus

Liquidambar Liquidambar

Species

L. formosana - L. formosana is a borderline hardy, broadly conical, deciduous tree bearing three-lobed, dark green leaves, purple when young and turning red, orange, and purple in autumn. Rounded clusters of inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers in late spring are followed by spiky, spherical, green fruit capsules.

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Broadly conical

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Colour

Foliage

Purple in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Orange, Red, Purple in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Liquidambar formosana (Formosan gum) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 10m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance, Woodland, Foliage only

Cultivation

Plant in acid or neutral soil in full sun to partial shade, although autumn colour is often best in a sunny position. Young plants are susceptible to frost damage so need protection for the first few years after planting.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Liquidambar formosana (Formosan gum)

Common pest name

Elm spanworm; Ennomid; white; Linden moth; snow-white

Scientific pest name

Ennomos subsignaria

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which defoliates deciduous trees and; with repeated infestation; can cause tree death. Present in North America and current import requirements do not fully mitigate the risk of introduction. A PRA will help to assess the level of risk more fully.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/