Sweet Gum Lane Roberts A very fine cultivar of sweet gum, ideal for a woodland planting or as a specimen, Liquidambar styraciflua Lane Roberts is a very tall, deciduous tree with an upright, spreading habit. The maple-like leaves emerge glossy mid-green, and turn wonderful shades of rich blackish-crimson in autumn. The clusters of inconspicuous flowers are yellowish, and are followed, after a warm summer, by green, burr-like fruits in autumn. Drought-tolerant once established, it needs minimal pruning. Sweet gum Lane Roberts holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Well-drained, acid to neutral soil, preferably moistPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring to autumn, autumn in particularHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: up to 82’ (25m) Spread: over 26’ (8m)