Mature Tree Height: 40-60 feet tall | Mature Tree Width: 20-30 feet wide
Tree Growing Zones: Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8
The Worplesdon Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’) is a medium-sized shade tree. It has an appealing form with a strong, straight trunk and broadly conical and symmetrical canopy. The foliage is unique to the cultivar with the classic star-shaped leaves having additional lobes at the tips of the ‘stars.’ It emerges as glossy, forest green foliage in the spring and summer and consistently transforms to a brilliant fall color that can vary from red to purple to yellow or anything in between. Its interesting furrowed and corky bark along with this cultivar’s aesthetically pleasing branching pattern enhances its value as a winter landscape tree.
The Worplesdon Sweetgum was selected in 1968 by George Jackman in the Village of Worplesdon, United Kingdom. It has become one of the most popular Sweetgums in the U.K.. This cultivar does produce fruits, so plant in a location where this will not hinder its value (does not make a great street tree). It does great standing on its own in the yard and will be sure to draw attention in the fall. It may need somewhat regular pruning to keep its shapely appearance. It does well in full sunlight and prefers moist, acidic soils.
