Liquidambar styraciflua is a medium sized tree that grows to a maximum height of 40m, though more commonly 30m.
The species is easily identifiable by a number of characters.
The species is monoecious - male and female flowers are found separately on the same tree. The flowers however, are relatively inconspicuous.
Liquidambar is sometimes confused with maples and plane trees. However, it can be distinguished from the maple by its leaves that are opposite rather than alternate. It can be distinguished from the plane tree by having fruits held singly rather than in bunches, and by the lack of peeling bark.