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

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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