Sweet Gum Tree

 Sweet Gum Tree- Liquidambar Styraciflua is a Large, Aromatic, Native Tree

 Sweet Gum Tree is a large native tree. The Sweet Gum tree can be named after its aroma that can be smelt from many feet. The Sap of this tree can be known to be exceptionally sweet smelling and has a consistency of chewing gum. The sap can be used for many years for medicinal uses by pioneers and Native Americans. The Sweet Gum Tree blooms in the springtime months with clusters of small white flowers. These later changes into spiky balls that contain black seeds inside that can be prized by birds as a tasty treat.

 Sweet Gum Trees Attract many Types of Birds and Wildlife 

The fresh gum tree is known as Liquidambar styraciflua, but can be called hazel pine, red gum, star-leaved gum, alligator wood or sweet gum. This is a deciduous fast growing tree that can grow 4 feet per year and tree has an oval canopy. The leaves have a lobed star shape that is glossy green in summer. In the fall the leaves will turn yellow, red and a purple color before they fall from the branches. In spring the sweet gum tree will get pale green flowers that will develop into the round and spiky shaped seed pods giving the tree more character. The seed pods can create new seedlings spreading the tree in late saplings. The seed pods have a hard exterior with sharp spikes while growing and when they fall from the tree. It is a stately tree that can be used in landscaping for its beauty and shade in yards or public locations. The sweet gum tree attracts cardinals, blue jays, doves, squirrels, chipmunks, other wildlife and luna moths. Parts of the tree have also been used in folk medicine for specific healing properties.

 The botanical name of the Sweet Gum tree is Liquidambar styraciflua. Native to the Southeastern region of the United States, the sweet gum is a common hardwood tree that grows naturally in lowland areas from the southwestern part of Connecticut to the central zone of Florida. Sweet Gum trees also flourish as far west as Ohio and Missouri, extending southwest to eastern Texas. 

 These medium-to-large trees have a potential lifespan of 400 years. The average  tree attains a height of 60 to 75 feet with a 40- to 50-foot spread. The growth rate is medium to fast, with a possible increase in height yearly of 13" to 24" or more.

  The leaves of the trees are star-shaped with five or seven lobes and mature to 4-7 1/2" long. They have a luminous medium-green hue in the summer. In autumn, the leaves change to brilliant shades of yellow, red, orange, and purple. Their scenic beauty makes them a favorite for planting in residential areas. 

 Seeds of the American sweetgum tree are consumed by sparrows, purple finches, eastern goldfinches, mourning doves, wild turkeys, and northern bobwhites. The seeds and fruits of the tree also provide food for small mammals like red and gray squirrels and chipmunks. 

 American sweetgum trees grow well in acidic soil, especially damp loam or clay soil. Ideally, they thrive best in direct sunlight to partial shade but require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day

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