Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum
This
big, bold, happy tree is clearly of Jupiter but is the source
of the incense resin storax, which has been associated with Mercury,
Venus, and Elemental Earth. The fragrant resin comes from the
sweetgum's bark and gives this tree its genus name, "liquid amber."
A native of southeastern North America, sweetgum will grow as
far north as New Jersey and can also be found in the mountains
of Mexico and Guatemala. It has star-shaped leaves that turn a
bright red in the fall and that smell of storax when crushed.
Spiny, round fruit open to release winged seeds. You can use any
part of the sweetgum tree for scent; leaves are great in potpourri. Normally
grows to 60-80 feet tall but can reach 100 feet--a big tree for
big yards. Top
How to grow it. Easy to grow from seed. Will reproduce
by root sprouts once it is established. Nine feet tall at three
years old. When young, the tree is pyramid shaped, but it will
spread when it reaches maturity and is used as a shade tree in
roomy situations. Gets a taproot if it's in well drained land
and shallow roots if it's in soggy soil. General
growing info Top
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum Tree
50
seeds $3.50
Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:
Moon Incense
Jupiter Herb
© 2004, 2018 Harold A. Roth; No reproduction without permission