Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Common Name: sweet gum
Native Range: Eastern United States, Mexico
Zone: 5 to 9
Plant type & Form: Tree, habit is pyramidal in youth, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as it matures
Height: 60.00 to 80.00 feet
Spread: 60.00 to 80.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description:
Flower: Non-showy, monoecious, yellow-green flowers appear in spherical clusters
Fruit: infamous gum balls which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5” diameter. Gum balls mature to dark brown and usually remain on the tree through the winter
Leaf: Glossy, long-stalked, deep green leaves (4-7” across) have toothed margins. Each leaf has 5-7 pointed, star-shaped lobes. Leaves are fragrant when bruised. Fall color at its best is a brilliant mixture of yellows, oranges, purples and reds.
Sun: Full; intolerant of shade
Water: Medium
Soil type & pH: average, medium moisture, well-drained soils; avoid alkaline soils
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Excellent shade, lawn or park tree. Must be planted in large area with room to grow. Fruit can cause litter problems that detract from using this tree as a street tree.
Tolerates: Rabbit, Deer, Clay Soil, Black Walnut
Notes: The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree.
Identification notes: Look for distinctive leaves and gum balls
