Liquidambar styraciflua
American Sweetgum
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American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Description
L. styraciflua is native to the eastern United States. It tolerates damp soil, resisting oak root fungus. It bears five to seven lobed, 3 to 7 inch leaves that are deep green in spring and summer, turning purple, yellow, or red in the fall.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Blooming
Flowers result in relatively large, round, hard and spiny seedpods. Some species do not bear fruit. Foliage turns orange, red, and purple in fall. Plants grown in full sun will exhibit the best fall color.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Growth
Sweetgums have a moderate growth rate. They are attractive year round as they generally have great tree structure, maple-like leaves and beautiful fall foliage. They make great street trees. Liquidambar grows best in full sun or partial shade.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Planting
Some species can reach 25 ft. wide, so plan accordingly when planting these trees. Sow seeds in fall, in containers in a cold frame (for protection and to ensure hardiness). Can also propagate via greenwood cuttings in summer.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Pest
The Oriental Sweet Gum (L. orientalis) is resistant to oak root fungus. Some pests include tent caterpillars, weevils, borers, and webworms. Other issues are leaf spot, bleeding canker, wood rot, and butt rot.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Interesting facts
Sweetgums are found in the moist woodlands of Eastern and Southwestern Asia, North America, and Mexico. The tree exudes a pleasant smelling resin from winter buds, giving it its name.
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - Soil and irrigation
Liquidambars do best in soils that are neutral to slightly acidic. Leaves can become chlorotic in alkaline soils which is hard to rectify. This is why these plants do not perform as well in desert climates as they tend to have more alkaline soils.
