Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous, perennial, woody, tree in the sweetgum family, Altingiaceae. L. styraciflua is native to much of North America and is commonly known as American sweetgum. The tree grows between 50 to 70 feet tall with a 3 feet diameter trunk when fully grown. The trunk bark is deeply ridged and gray to reddish brown. Leaves are simple and palmately shaped with 5 lobes and a lime green epidermis. The fruits of the tree are golf ball-shaped and sized with large spines covering them. The tree is grown for lumber, ornamental, and medicinal uses. The seeds and bark of the plant are said to have antiviral properties while the resinous sap is used as chewing gum. The sap is also known to help clear the lungs and sinus. Liquidambar styraciflua grow best outdoors in full sun to partial shade and in rich, well-draining soil. Water more frequently throughout the warmer growing seasons, and lessen watering during fall and winter. USDA plant hardiness zones 5a to 9b.
Liquidambar styraciflua seeds require a cold stratification period of one month before germination will be reliable. This may be done by mixing the seeds with a small amount of moist, but not soaking wet, sterile sand, vermiculite, peat, etc. and sealing the mixture in an airtight plastic bag. Place the bag with the seeds inside a refrigerator for one month. After this period, sow seeds ½ inch deep in a well draining potting mixture. Add a ¼ inch thick layer of sand or potting mixture on top of the seeds. Sown seeds require consistent moisture and humidity but the soil should not be soaking wet. Keep seeds in well-draining soil between 70°F to 85°F for best results. Germination typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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