M18: Sweetgum : Liquidamber styraciflua

Coming from the eastern and southern USA this was introduced in 1681 and will grow to 28 m. The leaves are very like the Maple family, but they are alternate, not opposite on the stem. Sometimes the autumn colour can be spectacular but it is very variable. Cosely related to the Hamamelidaceae, the Witch Hazels, the family originates in the Cretaceous and was widespread untill the glaciations . It was once used for furniture.