The formosan sweetgum is native to East Asia and grows in moist soil. The leaves are fed to silkworms, and the wood can be made into tea chests. Formosan sweetgum has an aggressive, spreading root system that is known for damaging concrete.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Liquidambar formosana, commonly known as the Formosan gum, Chinese sweet gum and Formosa sweet gum, is a species of tree in the family Altingiaceae. Liquidambar formosana grow mostly in woodland in warm temperate zones. It requires moist soil and can grow in light to no shade areas. It is usually found in East Asia in Central and Southern China, Taiwan, and Indochina.
Liquidambar formosana is a large, native, deciduous tree that grows up to 30-40m tall. The leaves are 10~15 cm wide., and are three-lobed unlike five- to seven-lobed leaves of most American Liquidambar species. The foliage of the L. formosana turns a very attractive red color in autumn. Leaves grow in an alternate arrangement, and are simple, palmately-veined, with serrated margins. Roots can be aggressive and branches are usually covered with corky projections. The individual flowers of L. formosana are unisexual.
However, both sexes can be found in the same plant (monoecious). Male flowers are in catkins, female flowers form dense spherical heads, and the fruit is burr-like because of the persistent styles.
II. How to Grow and Care
Formosan sweetgum thrives in well-drained, moist soil and requires full sun to partial shade. They are adaptable to a range of soil types but prefer acidic conditions. Formosan sweetgum has a moderate growth rate and appreciates regular watering, especially during dry spells. Minimal pruning is necessary, primarily for shape and health. Overall, formosan sweetgum is an undemanding species suitable for many landscapes.
Sunlight
Formosan sweetgum thrives under full sun exposure which bolsters robust growth and optimal health. These ideal conditions feature direct, intense light for the majority of the day, fostering vigorous development. While formosan sweetgum can tolerate partial sun, meaning some shade during the day, it’s noteworthy that reduced light may lead to a decrease in growth vigor and possibly affect the density of its foliage. Adaptive traits include a flexible response to light availability, with leaf positioning altering to maximize light absorption.
Outdoors, formosan sweetgum should be planted in a location where sunlight is abundant. There’s no requirement for indoor positioning guidelines as formosan sweetgum is predominantly an outdoor plant.
Temperature
Formosan sweetgum is amazingly adaptable. It needs between 180-320 frost-free days for proper growth, and can grow in temperature ranges of -21 ℃ to 38 ℃. Grown in the north, it can get by on 180 frost-free days with a minimum temperature of -1 ℃. Grown in the south, it adapts to as many as 320 frost-free days and can live in temperatures down to 10 ℃. It adapts to the wide variation in annual rainfall patterns between north and the south (1.02 to 1.5 m) and performs well within the range of 51 to 61 cm during its peak growing season.
Watering
Formosan sweetgum thrives in its native habitat with a consistent moisture level, indicative of its preference for evenly moist soil conditions. This species is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best when the soil doesn’t dry out completely. To mimic its natural environment, it should be watered once every two weeks. As an outdoor-grown deciduous tree, formosan sweetgum relies on adequate watering during its growing season to support leaf development and maintain its vibrant fall foliage.
Soil
Formosan sweetgum responds well to a variety of soil structures. It is considered fit to grow on moist alluvial clay and loamy soils with a variety of soil pH; acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5) is preferable. The quality of the timber improves with increased exchangeable potassium in the soil. Plant spacing varies depending on purpose and utility; 8 to 20 m is most commonly recommended for shade and shelter beds.
Fertilizing
For formosan sweetgum, balanced nutrition fertilizers are ideal during the growth phase, shifting to high-nitrogen formulations to stimulate foliage development. Fertilize mature formosan sweetgum annually in early spring, applying a slow-release type per manufacturer’s guidelines. This regimen boosts growth, improves resilience, and heightens ornamental qualities. Observe caution to avoid over-fertilization, which risks growth imbalances and potential environmental harm. Seasonal growth cycles dictate varying needs; less is required during dormant winter months. Diligently water after application to prevent root burn and evenly distribute nutrients.
Propagation
A deciduous tree valued for its striking fall foliage, formosan sweetgum is best propagated through sowing. Enthusiasts looking to cultivate formosan sweetgum should collect seeds following the natural fruiting period, clean them, and stratify to overcome dormancy for enhanced germination. When sowing, use a well-drained, fertile substrate and consistent moisture levels to facilitate root development. Gentle handling during transplantation ensures young saplings establish robustly, achieving a landscape or garden adorned with formosan sweetgum’s vibrant autumn hues.
Transplanting
Transplanting formosan sweetgum is best during late winter to early spring (S4-S5), as the plant’s dormancy allows it to withstand the move without causing shock. Ensure a sunny, well-drained location for prosperous growth. If needed, slightly water the root ball before moving, to reduce injury.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Medicinal uses
Liquidambar formosana has many medicinal uses. The leaves and roots are used in the treatment of cancerous growths. The stem bark is used in the treatment of fluxes and skin diseases. The fruits used in the treatment of arthritis, lumbago, oedema, oliguria, and decreased milk production and skin diseases. The resin from the stems is used to treat bleeding boils, carbuncles, toothache and tuberculosis. The trunk of this tree can be used for aromatic resin. The extract of this resin is used to promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Other uses
Liquidambar formosana is rare in cultivation but in its native regions the wood is used for making tea chests and the leaves to feed silkworms.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Seeds disperse naturally when winter arrives, while balls are shed at the beginning of spring. Harvesting depends on the desire to obtain wood, its quality, and the type of grain is has.