Liquid Amber Tree

As the name signifies, liquid amber is remarkable for its sweet tasting, resinous plant sap. Hence, it is also commonly known as American sweet gum tree. The liquid amber tree leaves are very much similar to maple leaves, in terms of palmately lobed shape and fall foliage color. Also, both these trees are adapted in similar growing conditions. These often confuse homeowners while including landscaping trees in the yard. With close examination, you can surely differentiate a liquid amber from maple tree.

Liquid Amber Tree: Profile

The liquid amber tree has its origin in Mexico, Eastern and Central America. Today, this conical shaped tree has become popular choice for formal landscape designs. Represented scientifically by Liquidambar styraciflua, it is a deciduous tree, which leaves fall during winter months. But, before the leaves shed, they turn brilliant yellow, orange and purplish red, thus adding color to the winter garden. The following info will help you understand the cultural requirements for growing sweet gum tree.

Planting Zones	USDA zones 5 through 8 (or 9)
Tree Type	Ornamental, deciduous tree
Planting side	Full sun to partial shade
Propagation Mode	Seeds, grafting and tree saplings
Ideal Soil	Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
Preferred Soil pH	Both acidic and alkaline soil
Humidity Range	Medium humidity
Irrigation	Moderate (depends on season)
Flower shade	Yellow, green (Chartreuse)
Blooming Period	Mid spring
Growth Rate	Slow in the initial stages

Liquid Amber Tree Information

At maturity, the size of liquid amber tree is about 15 m in height with an average spread of 8 m. Some liquid amber cultivars are evergreen types, and do not show fall foliage. Hence, if you are growing liquid amber just for the sake of adding winter interest, make a point to check whether winter temperature in your area is favorable for liquid amber or not. Another concern with this ornamental tree is the spiked fruits (gumballs), which take long time for decaying. So, if you are planting it in a traffic area, select seedless liquid amber varieties.

Liquid Amber Leaf
The color of serrated leaf is rich green during active growth season. Needless to mention, the vibrant colored fall color of leaves is one of the desirable sweet gum tree facts. They are arranged in alternate fashion. Each individual leaf has five pointed lobes that are arranged in a star shaped pattern. The foliage is thick, glossy and leathery, which are not so with maple tree leaves.

Liquid Amber Tree Roots
Even though this deciduous tree has a narrow profile, do not make the mistake of planting liquid amber in a limited space. Otherwise, the deep roots may break and penetrate cement foundation in the vicinity. So, decide the planting location properly, so that you won't face problem later, may be after several years when the tree reaches maturity.

Liquid Amber Tree Pods
For this flowering plant, the seeds are borne in capsules, known as gumballs. They are hard, round in shape and prickly to touch. As the green capsules mature, they turn brownish that indicates ripe stage. Liquid amber can be propagated successfully from viable seeds. But, the germination time is very long, about two years, after which you need to transplant the seedlings to the selected location.

Liquid Amber Tree Planting
For growing liquid amber from seeds, sow viable seeds from a mature pod after frosting is over in your area. If you are not using seeds, select healthy grafted trees or seed generated saplings that are about 7 feet in height. Choose a sunny location, and prepare the planting soil as mentioned above. Dig a planting hole, large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place it gently without damaging fragile roots and backfill soil.

Liquid Amber Tree Care
Care for liquid amber requires staking the young tree sapling for support, and watering regularly to promote quick growth of roots. Watering amount depends on the prevailing environmental conditions. Generally, the growth rate of liquid amber is medium to fast. However, it hardly increases its height in the first two years after plantation.

Watch for signs of liquid amber tree disease, particularly leaf scorch and canker disease. The former causes brown coloration of affected foliage, while the latter affects the tree trunk, causing sunken spots and oozing of sap. If such signs are exhibited, follow cultural practices to contain disease as soon as possible. Otherwise, they may spread to remaining parts, which may kill the tree overtime.