American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Native
Plant Family
Altingiaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Tolerates heat and humidity well.
About This Tree
A large, stately canopy tree with a pyramidal form when young, maturing to an oblong or rounded crown. Known for its star-shaped leaves and spiny, spherical fruit ('gumball' seed pods). It has a moderate to fast growth rate and a straight trunk.
Leaf Characteristics
Star-shaped with 5 to 7 pointed, pallet-like lobes; palmately veined. Simple, alternate arrangement. Dark green in summer, turning shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in fall. Margins are finely serrated.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown and deeply furrowed into narrow, scaly ridges. Young twigs often develop distinctive corky ridges or 'wings' that are unique to the species.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring, flowers in March-May, fruits ripen in autumn, and goes dormant after brilliant late-fall color changes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is preferred. Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils; has moderate drought tolerance once established but performs poorly in alkaline soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 60-80 feet in height with a spread of 40-60 feet. Can live over 150 years. Trunk diameter can reach 2-3 feet at maturity.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional multicolored fall foliage. Produces aromatic resin (styrax). Highly resistant to most pests but produces heavy litter in the form of spiky seed pods which can be a tripping hazard.
Wildlife & Ecology
Seeds are a food source for goldfinches, purple finches, squirrels, and chipmunks. Host plant for the Luna Moth caterpillar. Provides significant nesting cover for various bird species.