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American Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Styraciflua

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Overview

The American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) thrives in zones 5-9, reaching up to 60-75 feet tall with a 40-50 feet spread. Notable for its star-shaped leaves and vibrant fall colors, it prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Its spiky gumballs can be a maintenance issue. Provides excellent shade but root system can disrupt pavements. It's deciduous, with a moderate to fast growth rate.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 7–10Climate Temperate
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — The American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) thrives in zones 5-9

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (150)

American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — Its spiky gumballs can be a maintenance issue
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — Provides excellent shade but root system can disrupt pavements
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — It's deciduous, with a moderate to fast growth rate
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — is a captivating deciduous tree renowned for its stunning fall coloration and distinctive spiky fruit
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — Growing to an impressive height of 60 to 75 feet
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — with a canopy spread of 40 to 50 feet
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — this tree presents a pyramidal form in its youth that becomes more rounded with maturity
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — Its star-shaped leaves are a luscious green throughout spring and summer
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — transforming into a kaleidoscope of yellows
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — and purples in the fall.<br><br>One notable feature of the Sweet Gum is its corky bark
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — which adds a textural element to the landscape during the leaf-off season
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — but the species is adaptable
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — tolerating even clay soils
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — It thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — landscape designers should note its potential size and root system when positioning it
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — ensuring there is ample space for growth.<br><br>The tree's fruit
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — persists through winter and can pose a litter nuisance if planted near walkways or frequented areas
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — the leaves and twigs emit a fragrant resin when bruised
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — contributing to its name and lending a sweet
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — balsamic aroma to the garden space.<br><br>In choosing the American Sweet Gum for a landscape
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — clients will enjoy a majestic tree with year-round interest and a vivid seasonal display
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — tree for full
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — The American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) thrives in zones 5-9; its spiky gumballs can be a maintenance
American Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua) — reaching up to 60-75 feet tall with a 40-50 feet spread; its star-shaped leaves are a luscious green throughout

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