Sweet gum

Sweet Gum

Sweet Gum
A genus of four deciduous trees found through N America and Eurasia into China, often in damp woodland. They have handsome, maple-like leaves and spectacular autumn color. Species grown in cultivation are considerably smaller than wild specimens. Liquidambar styraciflua was widely used by native N Americans to heal wounds, and by settlers for skin complaints. It was first listed as an antiseptic in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia in 1926. Liquidambar orientalis appeared in Chinese medicine c. CE500. Liquidambar formosana (Chinese/Formosan sweet gum) is also important medicinally. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties. In China the leaves and roots are used to treat malignant growths. The fruits contain beturonic acid, a substance that appears to protect the liver from damage by extremely toxic, dry-cleaning chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride. Traditionally, the fruits are used in Taiwan for liver problems and hepatitis, while the resin is applied to carbuncles. The light yellow, almost transparent resin obtained from L. formosana contains cinnamic acid, which gives it a pleasant cinnamon-like scent.

Large deciduous, conical tree with glossy 5- or 7-lobed leaves, to 15cm (6in) across, that turn orange, red, and burgundy in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers appear in spring as the fragrant, new leaves open, followed by globose, spiny fruits.

Common Name:

Sweet Gum

Other Names:

American Storax

Botanical Name:

Liquidambar styraciflua

Genus:

Liquidambar

Family:

Hamamelidaceae

Native Location:

E USA and Mexico

Cultivation:

Deep, rich, moist, neutral to slightly acid soil in sun or partial shade.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn; by greenwood cuttings in summer.

Harvest:

Balsam is collected as a natural exudate, or from cuts in the bark, and made into syrups and tinctures. It is also extracted from the bark, after beating the trees to increase flow.

Height:

30m (100ft) in the wild, 25m (80ft) in cultivation.

Width:

12-20m (40-70ft)

Variations:

Aurea
Has leaves striped and marbled yellow
Height: 15m (50ft)
Width: 8m (25ft)

Lane Roberts
Turns deep maroon in autumn

Variegata syn Worplesdon
Has long, narrowly lobed leaves, which turn purple, then yellow-orange in autumn.

Hardiness:

Z5-9

Parts Used:

Balsam

Properties:

An aromatic, stimulant herb that is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, has expectorant effects.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for sore throats, coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, cystitis, and vaginal discharge. Externally for sores, hemorrhoids, ringworm, scabies, and frostbite. An ingredient of friar's balsam, a preparation based on benzoin (See Benzoin), which relieves colds and skin problems.

Economic Uses:

Used in commercial flavoring of foods and tobacco.

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