Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Shavit’ ™

Our nursery is proud to introduce a unique, grafted fastigiate cultivar: the Fastigiate Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Shavit’. This is a magnificent deciduous tree with an upright columnar growth habit, selected and developed in Australia for its structured silhouette and extraordinary fall color. It is uniquely suited for planting in styled gardens, urban avenues, and space-constrained areas where an exceptionally narrow tree profile is required. Within a decade of planting, the tree reaches a height of 7 to 10 meters with an average spread of roughly 2 meters, maintaining a compact and impressive structure.

The tree’s foliage is one of its most striking features: large, star-shaped leaves with 5 to 7 serrated lobes emerge in spring in a glossy, dark green hue. With the arrival of autumn, the foliage transforms dramatically into vivid displays of yellow, orange, and reddish-purple. While color intensity depends on soil quality, moisture levels, and local microclimate, this cultivar has a reputation for exceptionally intense and reliable fall foliage, even in relatively warm regions. For optimal performance, plant in full sun in deep, moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and non-calcareous (chalk-free). Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

The grayish-brown bark features longitudinal fissures that deepen over time, creating a corky, cracked texture. The blooms carry no horticultural value and appear only on mature trees, featuring upright male clusters alongside dangling spherical female flowers in spring that later develop into spiky, “hedgehog-like” seed balls. These fruits add seasonal interest and serve as a food source for birds and small mammals, supporting local wildlife-friendly landscapes.

This cultivar is derived from the American species Liquidambar styraciflua, native to the major river basins of the eastern United States, such as the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The Fastigiate Sweetgum ‘Shavit’ inherits the strong hardiness of the parent species and adapts well to local climatic conditions. It is cold-hardy down to -23°C (-9°F), tolerates brief periods of drought once established, and handles challenging urban environments well.

Beyond its landscape value, this tree carries a rich history. Its generic name, Liquidambar, derives from the Latin liquidus (liquid) and the Arabic ambar (amber), referring to the fragrant, amber-colored resin secreted from its bark. Historically known as “Liquidambar balsam” or “Storax,” this resin was used in natural aromatherapy and European cosmetics. With a potential lifespan of up to 150 years, this tree offers longevity, strength, and elegance, qualities increasingly rare in modern urban plantings.

Thanks to its narrow footprint and low maintenance needs, the Fastigiate Sweetgum ‘Shavit’ excels as a lawn specimen tree, along property lines, or planted in formal rows throughout parks and avenues. It pairs exceptionally well with other colorful trees and shrubs, such as Ginkgo biloba, Ash (Fraxinus), Pistache (Pistacia), Chinese Tallow (Triadica), and Maples (Acer), species that share its preference for deep soils and cooler microclimates. Together, they create a rich and striking visual composition, particularly throughout the autumn season.

Additional trees from the same family: Liquidambar styraciflua | Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Shavit’ ™