Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweetgum

Sweetgum is favored for its fast growth, impressive size, pyramidal form, and great fall color. Leaves are dark green and palmate in shape. Fall foliage color varies but is generally outstanding ranging from yellow to orange to burgundy. Sometimes all these colors develop on a single tree. The fruit is a 1" spiny ball that is interesting in shape but can make walking a bit difficult.

This native tree offers nesting sites for birds, cover for wildlife, and food for wintering birds. Songbirds like the American goldfinch eat seed in the sweetgum balls during winter. These large trees also provide shade and cooling.

This is a great choice for parks, large lawns, and as a street tree if the spiny fruit is not a factor. 

  • Native tree with pyramidal habit
  • Glossy green foliage
  • Yellow to red fall color

  • Category: Tree, Wetland, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Height: 40-60 ft
  • Spread: 35-40 ft
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Landscape Characteristics
Foliage Color
Ornamental Fruit
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Songbirds
Classification by Use
Native
Shade Tree
Critter Resistance
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Habit
Pyramidal
Upright
Light Requirement
Part Sun
Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Fall Color
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Green
Multi-Color
Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow
Attributes
Fall Color
Fast Growing
Focal Point
Great Foliage
Native
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Liquidambar styraciflua

Adaptable tree that can grow in swampy ground as well as drier sites. Prefers acidic soil but is frequently planted in more alkaline conditions.