Oriental Sweet Gum (Liquidambar orientalis)

Family: Hamamelidaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Liquidambar orientalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour baked foods etc. — A chewing gum and a stabilizer for cakes etc are obtained from the resin.; This resin is also used to flavour baked foods etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Flood plains, marshy places and valley sides near streams to elevations of 1800 metres in Turkey. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)