Sweet Gum Tree - Liquidambar styraciflua

The Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a native deciduous tree that is known for its green, star shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall season.

Plant Details - Sweet Gum Tree

Family: Altingiaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 60 – 80 ft.

Spread: 40 – 60 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Sweet Gum Tree

Sweet Gum Tree is a deciduous tree with unique, deeply lobed star shaped leaves and an elegant stature.

Plant this tree to create a shade garden. You can plant this tree as an ornamental accent in your yard or garden. Plant this tree where it can spread to its maximum mature height.

This is a low maintenance tree.

Plant this tree in a location that has well draining and acidic soil. This tree can tolerate clay soil. Avoid planting in alkaline soils as chlorosis may occur in these conditions. It can tolerate dry to moist locations.

Plant this tree in an area with full sun. Avoid planting it in the shade.

This tree has catkins that are green yellow in color. It will produce seeds called gum balls that will create a carpet below; make sure to plant this tree in a location where they will not create hazardous conditions such as along a path.

It is able to tolerate the compound juglone produced by the Black Walnut and other members of that family.

This tree does not have any major disease or insect problems.

This tree will not need routine fertilizing. If you feel the tree needs fertilizer, use a balanced fertilizer with equal ratios.

This tree will not need consistent, routine pruning, but you should prune this tree when you notice damaged branches.

Its gumballs will attract birds to your home or landscape that will eat the seeds inside, including turkeys, goldfinches, and mourning doves. Squirrels and chipmunks will also eat these seeds.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Sweet Gum Tree will attract many butterflies and moths. It is a host tree for the Luna Moth and the Promethea Silk Moth.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Sweet Gum Trees thrive in well-drained soil and need regular watering, especially during dry spells. They should be trimmed in late winter to preserve form and release dead or damaged branches. When planting, be mindful of their large size; they need ample space to grow.

Plant Reproduction

Sweet Gum Tree spreads via wind-dispersed seeds from spiky balls

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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