Sweet Gum Seedlings - Liquidambar styraciflua

Plant Sweet Gum Seedlings and watch the majesty of nature. From blazing star-shaped leaves with mesmerizing fall color to wacky spiked seed pods that texture the ground below, there is no other tree growing native in North America quite like this one. Extracts of this tree have been traditionally for medicinal purposes, especially the resin substance produced that can be chewed as gum.

Plant Details

Family: Altingiaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 60-75 ft.

Spread: 40-60 ft.

Growth Rate: Moderate - Fast

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Inconspicuous yellow & green

Wildlife Value: Provides foot & nesting materials

This tree grows best when supplied with even, consistent moisture. Full sun is non-negotiable for healthy growth at all stages of development. It is a moderately fast grower, adding up to 2 feet of height every year. It prefers loamy, acidic soil. Grown for its fall color, it produces a full range of foliage colors from green to yellow, orange, and red.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance 

Spiky seed balls deter mammals and other garden pests, mulch young seedlings, do not let them dry out, may need to clean up seed balls

 Sweet Gum Seedlings are sensitive to drying out, so it is important to lock in water as much as possible. To contribute to consistent moisture, apply a few inches of mulch around the tree's base. This will also help prevent competing plants from taking the young sapling’s nutrients. Along with being grown for its gorgeous fall color, this tree is a fantastic addition for shade in a landscape. Depending on preference, it may be necessary to clean up the spikey seed balls for lawn tidiness. However, these fallen seed pods will deter pest mammals from browsing plants.

Noteworthy Characteristics

They will eventually produce their well-known spiky seed balls known as ‘gumballs’ between 20 and 30 years of age. The leaves are pointed, forming a distinct star shape with 5-7 lobes.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Sweet Gum seedlings thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune occasionally to encourage a strong structure and remove damaged or competing branches. Fertilize with a balanced mix in the spring for healthy growth.

Plant Reproduction

Sweet Gum seedlings spread via wind-dispersed, spiky seed capsules from Liquidambar

Plant seedlings in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Choose a well-drained site with the proper sunlight for the tree species. Dig a hole that's deep and wide enough to support but not hamper the root system without bending or crowding the roots. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the root collar (where the roots meet the stem) is level with or slightly above the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, and pack it around the roots to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the moisture consistent, especially during the first few years, to help the roots establish. Put a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. Protect the seedlings from pests and physical damage with suitable guards or fencing. Tree seedlings will thrive and grow into strong, healthy trees with proper care.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE