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 Uses in Witchcraft & Magic: Moon Incense © 2004-2024 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission |