Sweetgum, Sweet Gum, American Red Gum, American Sweet Gum, Bilsted, Copalm Balsam, Red Gum, Satin Walnut
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a striking deciduous tree prized for its star-shaped leaves, brilliant fall color, and unique spiky fruits. A native of the eastern United States, it thrives across a wide range of conditions and has become a favorite for parks and large landscapes. Despite its beauty, Sweetgum is also known for its messy, spiny fruits, which can be a challenge in residential areas.
Sweetgum is native to the eastern and southeastern United States, ranging from Connecticut to Florida, and westward to Texas and parts of Missouri and Illinois. It thrives in moist woodlands, river bottoms, and lowlands, though it can also grow on upland sites with appropriate conditions.
Sweetgum is a magnificent, large deciduous tree with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. Narrow and upright in youth, it matures into a more rounded, oblong form. Its striking foliage, textured bark, and unique spiky fruit provide year-round visual interest.
At maturity, Sweetgum typically grows 60 to 80 feet (18-24 m) tall with a spread of 40 to 60 feet (12-18 m). In optimal conditions, it can grow even taller, reaching up to 100 feet (30 m) in the wild.
Sweetgum grows at a moderate to fast rate, typically adding up to 2 feet (60 cm) per year under optimal conditions. Young trees grow quickly, especially in moist, fertile soils. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens
Sweetgum trees are long-lived, with a lifespan often exceeding 150 years under favorable conditions. They develop deep character with age, particularly as the bark forms deep furrows and corky ridges.
Sweetgum produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring. Both male and female flowers appear on the same tree. Female flowers give rise to the tree’s signature fruit — a spiky, spherical capsule known as a “gumball.” These burr-like seed balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter, contain numerous small seeds. They mature to brown in late fall and often persist through winter, littering the ground below.
Sweetgum’s foliage is one of its most distinctive features. The leaves are alternate, simple, and star-shaped, with 5 to 7 pointed lobes. Glossy green in summer, the leaves turn into a vibrant tapestry of yellow, orange, red, and purple in fall. Crushed leaves release a pleasant fragrance, adding sensory interest.
The bark of Sweetgum starts off smooth and gray-brown, eventually maturing into deeply furrowed, rough bark with irregular ridges. On young branches, distinctive corky wings may develop, giving the tree an intriguing textural element.
Sweetgum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, tolerating both warm southern climates and colder northern regions when properly sited.
Sweetgum’s spiky fruits and abundant seeds attract a variety of wildlife, including goldfinches, sparrows, mourning doves, and wild turkeys. Squirrels and chipmunks also feast on the seeds, while the bark provides forage for beavers and rabbits. Additionally, the leaves host larvae of moths like the Imperial Moth and Hickory Horned Devil.
Sweetgum’s foliage is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Sweetgum trees exhibit moderate drought tolerance once established, but they thrive best with consistent moisture. They tolerate summer heat well, especially in their native southeastern range.
Sweetgum is not considered toxic to humans or pets. The fruit, however, can be a hazard if stepped on, creating tripping hazards or causing injury.
Sweetgum is not classified as invasive, but it readily self-seeds in favorable environments. In naturalized settings, this can lead to dense stands, especially in disturbed areas.
Sweetgum benefits from regular watering during establishment. Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with occasional deep watering during dry spells.
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if growth appears slow or foliage shows signs of nutrient deficiency.
Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid topping the tree, which destroys its natural form.
Sweetgum trees are most commonly propagated from seeds, which are found inside the tree’s characteristic spiky seed balls. To propagate from seed:
Though less common than seed propagation, Sweetgum can also be propagated from hardwood cuttings:
Sweetgum trees do not have any serious pest or disease issues but can be affected by several pests and diseases:
Webworms are caterpillars that spin large, unsightly webs over branches and feed on leaves within the web. Severe infestations can cause defoliation, weakening the tree if repeated over successive years.
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that attach to stems and branches. They can weaken the tree, cause leaf yellowing, and leave behind sticky honeydew that attracts sooty mold. Insecticidal oils can help manage infestations.
Fungal leaf spot diseases can develop in humid or wet conditions. These appear as small, discolored spots on leaves, sometimes causing premature leaf drop. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can reduce the risk.
Sweetgum is sensitive to alkaline soils, which can lead to chlorosis—a condition where leaves turn yellow due to iron deficiency. Acidifying the soil or applying chelated iron can help mitigate this problem.
Yes, sweet gum trees have many uses. They are prized for their ornamental beauty, providing shade, and offering brilliant fall color. Their wood is valuable for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and veneer. Sweet gum trees also provide important wildlife habitat, with their seeds feeding birds, squirrels, and small mammals.
Sweetgum balls, though often considered a nuisance, have several uses. They are sometimes used in crafts and holiday decorations. In folk medicine, they have been used to make extracts or teas. The spiky balls also decompose into nutrient-rich organic matter if left to break down naturally.
The outer spiky sweetgum ball is not edible for humans due to its hard, woody texture and sharp spines. However, the small seeds inside the fruit are technically edible and were historically used as a survival food. The seeds are tiny and difficult to harvest in meaningful quantities, so they are not a common food source today. Additionally, sweetgum sap was historically chewed like gum and used in folk medicine.
Harvest sweetgum balls in late fall or early winter, after they have turned brown and fully dried on the tree. Simply collect them from the ground or use a rake to gather them. For craft or decorative use, allow them to fully air-dry indoors to prevent mold.
Sweetgum gets its name from the fragrant, resinous sap that exudes from cuts or wounds in the bark. This aromatic gum, known as storax, has historically been used for medicinal purposes, incense, and perfumes. The tree’s pleasant-smelling leaves also contribute to its sweet-scented reputation.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Altingiaceae |
Genus | Liquidambar |
Common names | Sweet Gum |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 60' - 80' (18.3m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Altingiaceae |
Genus | Liquidambar |
Common names | Sweet Gum |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 60' - 80' (18.3m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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