formosan gum
Liquidambar formosana
USDA zones7 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate or wet soil
Size40 to 60 feet tall25 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Oval
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Formosan gum (Liquidambar formosana) is a tree for shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Yellowish-green flowers appear from early to late spring, and birds visit the tree. The leaves turn color in fall, and the tree is drought tolerant. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Cedar elm, Autumn fern, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Southern China and Taiwan.