Species formosan gum
palmately lobed, burgundy-green leaves with creamy-green stems

formosan gum

Liquidambar formosana

Formosan Gum (Liquidambar formosana) is an evergreen, deciduous tree native to Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It is known for its broad, spreading crown and its smooth, grey bark. It can grow up to 20m tall and is popularly used in landscaping. Its dark green leaves are long and leathery, and turn shades of yellow, red and purple during the fall. It is also noted for the gum it secretes, which appears in rust-colored droplets on the trunk when the tree is cut into. This gum is used in medicine and herbal preparations.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Formosan gum (Liquidambar formosana) should be watered approximately 1-2 times a week, depending on the season and the soil moisture of your area. During times of active growth or hot, dry weather, water more often. The soil should also be allowed to dry out between waterings. When watering, make sure you water deeply and slowly to allow the roots to absorb the moisture. Check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering. As the tree matures, it will need less water, but be sure to keep an eye on the soil moisture so you can adjust the watering schedule as needed.

sunlight

Formosan gum plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. This can be received in 2 sessions (morning and then again later in the afternoon) or in 1 long session. Though the amount of light is important, the quality is just as important. Direct sunlight is beneficial for this species, when the sun is not too strong. If you are growing the Formosan gum indoors, these plants need as much light as possible from a south or west facing window. Avoid keeping them in front of a north facing window, as the light won't be sufficient for the plants.

pruning

Formosan gum (Liquidambar formosana) should be pruned in late winter. Typically, it is best to begin pruning a young tree as soon as it is established, and then again every 2 to 3 years. This can help keep the tree's size and shape manageable. During your pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or crossed branches, as well as any branches that grow too far inward. You should also remove any suckers that grow from the roots or base of the tree. When pruning, aim to remove no more than 1-third of the limbs with each pruning. This ensures that the tree does not become too stressed, and that you don't over-prune.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Liquidambar formosana typically begins in late October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Formosan gum typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map