Plant profile
Systematics:
- Botanical name: Liquidambar
- Class: Bedecktsamer (Magnoliopsida)
- Order: Saxifragales
- Family: Altingiaceae
- Genus: sweetgum trees
Botanical:
- Height: 10 to 20 meters
- Growth habit: large tree
- Growth characteristics: Loosely upright, conical
- Main flowering time: May
- Leaves: maple-like pointed, lobed
- Leaf color: green, striking red, orange or yellow in autumn
- Flower: inconspicuous, spike-shaped heads
- Flower color: green
- Fruits: Brown capsule fruits
Particularities:
The botanical name Liquidambar is made up of the terms liquid (liquid) and anbr (amber). This name refers to the aromatic, sweet-smelling resin that escapes when the trunk is damaged. The indigenous peoples use the viscous mass as natural chewing gum. To this day, the tree sap is used as a raw material for the production of chewing gum, which is why the Americans use the Sweetgum tree also called "sweetgum".
also read
- Sweet gum - diseases and pests that occur
- When is the best time to plant the sweetgum tree?
- Sweetgum tree - a location for life
origin
The main occurrence of the sweetgum trees is in southeastern North America and in northern Central America. Here the magnificent tree thrives mainly in river valleys and on mountain slopes that are not too dry.
Location and substrate
Due to its size and attractive color, it is advisable to cultivate the tree in a single position. It prefers a sunny, sheltered place. The substrate should be loose, deep, moderately nutritious and evenly moist.
This wood is extremely sensitive to soil compaction and waterlogging. Too high a lime content in the earth leads to yellowing of the foliage. Growth slows down on poor sandy soils.
Planting and care
Plant the sweetgum tree preferably in spring so that it has plenty of time to root. As a result, it can adapt well to the local conditions. Nevertheless, ensure good winter protection in the first few years, as full frost resistance only develops over time.
Loosen the substrate carefully before planting and improve it if necessary with a little sand, deciduous humus or composted Horse manure.
Set the tree so deep that the surface of the ball is only covered by a thin layer of substrate. Support the tree with a planting stake and water it very thoroughly.
cut
Amber trees do not require any maintenance or conservation pruning. Let the attractive wood grow freely and only remove frozen twigs in spring. So that a beautiful crown forms, you can delimb the trunk to the desired crown height.
Diseases and pests
Of the Sweetgum tree is almost never attacked by diseases and pests. If it feels comfortable in one location, it is extremely easy to care for.
Tips
The intense autumn colors of the sweetgum tree harmonizes wonderfully with trees such as the ginkgo or the gingerbread tree. If you place it in front of a dark-leaved hedge, the autumn leaves are particularly bright.