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Liquidambar styraciflua



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Liquidambar styraciflua
American sweetgum

Culture: Best in full sun, with well-drained, moist, acidic soil (or iron chlorosis may occur). Chlorosis can be increased in sites where the soil is compacted. This species needs space for the root system to develop.

It is slow to establish, and has occasional winter damage in the Champaign, Illinois area. The selections 'Ward' (Cherokee-TM) and 'Moraine' are two of the more cold hardy selections recommended for the Midwest.

Scale, webworm, and iron chlorosis can be problematic.

Usage: The American sweetgum makes an excellent park, street or specimen shade tree, but does not do well in areas with high pollution. Because the fruit tends to accumulate under the tree, some thought should be given to the placement of the tree relative to neighboring activities.

 
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