Liquidambar styraciflua 'Ward' [sold as Cherokee™]
Cherokee American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua ′Ward′ [sold as Cherokee™] - Overall Habit

Family:

Altingiaceae (Sweetgum family) 6

Genus:

Liquidambar (Sweetgum) 6

Plant Type:

Tree 557

Growth Forms:

Upright 537

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 234

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 794

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Yellow green in spring; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green star-shaped leaves in the summer); Multi-Colored (Fall foliage a deep red mixed with yellow)

Ultimate Height:

45 feet

Ultimate Spread:

30 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Widely adapted to different soils

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves alternate, simple, 4-7.5" long and wide, star-shaped (5-7 pointed lobes), and finely serrate. Ovate buds (0.25-0.5" long) are reddish green-brown. Stems are rounded to somewhat angled, often developing corky wings and bark; 'Ward' develops this at an earlier age than the species type. Sap has gum-like consistency.

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

This variant of the American Sweetgum is nearly fruitless and hardy to -28 degrees F without injury. Handsome shade tree with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by its wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes.