American Liquidambar Gallon Starter

The American Liquidambar or Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is not a traditional bonsai subject but has some beautiful characteristics. The texture of its foliage is distinctive, with star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall, making it an attractive choice for bonsai enthusiasts. Most people are familiar with Liquidambar from the "spikey balls" that are the seed pods.  It is commonly planted as a landscape tree both in urban and more rural areas.

This species can be pruned and shaped to create a more compact structure, but its normal growth habit is upright and pyramidal. We recommend you wire the trunks (they're still flexible!) to create gentle movement.

These 1-gallon starters are three years old and some have been pruned. The foliage is typically a glossy green during the growing season, transforming into stunning autumn colors as the temperatures drop. 

Photos are representative of our current stock but are not the exact plant you will receive. Some plants are taller while others are short and bushy. Some plants are in 6" pond baskets (not pictured). Price is per single container/tree.