Sweet Gum Worplesdon

The excellent cultivar Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon differs from the species in having a more uniform crown and greater frost tolerance. The leaves are mid-green and glossy with 5-7 lobes, like a maple; in autumn they turn brilliant shades of purple, crimson and orange; They are more deeply lobed than the species and their autumn colour is more intense. Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by spiky balls of seed capsules, looking like burrs 1-1 ½” (2.5-3.5cm) across. Magnificent specimen tree. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained, acid or neutral soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 33’ (10m) Spread: 20’ (6m) in 20 years