Frost tolerance of Liquidambar styraciflua native to the United States, Mexico, and Central America
Seedlings derived from field-collected seed from the United States, Mexico, and Central America were tested for frost hardiness under laboratory conditions. U.S. seedlings grown under four controlled conditions demonstrated greatest frost hardening under cool temperatures and short day lengths. Seedlings representing northernmost U.S. collection sites developed greater frost tolerance than seedlings representing southern U.S. collection sites. In comparing United States, Mexico, and Central America seedlings, the U.S. material showed greatest frost tolerance with Mexico and Central America demonstrating similar hardiness. The application of plant hormones (natural gibberellic acid and artificial AMO-1618) produced opposite effects on U.S. seedlings derived from Connecticut and Florida seed. The Connecticut seedlings demonstrated greatest frost tolerance in all treatments. Demonstrated frost tolerance differences among United States, Mexico, and Central America populations strongly indicate selection of frost hardy races in habitats with severe frost conditions.