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Popular Name:
Liquidambar
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Botanical Name and Pronunciation:
Liquidambar styraciflua (lik-wid-AM-bar sti-ra-se-FLO-a)
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Common Name(s):
Sweet Gum
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Color(s):
yellow, orange, red, burgundy
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Form and Size:
The stems of liquidambar are branched and of various lengths. Along the branches it has leaves that are about 4 inches wide and 3 – 5 lobes that are spherical in shape with sharp points covering them.
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Vase Life:
7 – 14 days
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Availability:
summer – fall
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Care Instructions:
Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food.
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History and Usage:
A member of the Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel) family, liquidambar originated in the eastern United States and Central America. Its botanical name, liquidambar styraciflua, comes from the word “liquidus” which is Latin for liquid and “ambar” which is Latin for amber. This is in reference to the yellowish or amber colored resin that exudes from its bark. This flower is lovely in arrangements with fall themes because of the colors available.
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Points of Interest:
Relatives of liquidambar include Fothergilla, Loropetalum, Parrotia and witch hazel.
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Ethylene Sensitive:
No
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