Sweetgum

BY: Elyse Lucas

With autumn comes a parade of riotous hues. From deep reds to warm oranges to flushed purples, color is in the air—and on the branches, and on the ground, especially if you’re lucky enough to have sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in your yard. This native North American tree’s common name comes from the aromatic gum that seeps from its wounds. Pyramidal in shape during its infancy, sweetgum slowly grows into an open oval as it matures. Its glossy green leaves are toothed at the edges and scented when crushed. Sweetgum’s brilliant fall foliage is a profusion of oranges, reds, yellows, and purples.

Common name: Sweetgum
Botanical name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Plant type: Tree
Zones: 5 to 9
Height: 60 to 80 feet
Family: Hamamelidaceae

Growing conditions
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Average, fertile, well-drained
• Moisture: Medium

Care
• Mulch: Mulch to preserve moisture in the soil and prevent weeds.
• Pruning: None needed.
• Fertilizer: None needed.

Propagation
• By seed or by cuttings.

Pests and diseases
• No major insect or disease problems, although borers, caterpillars, scale, and webworms may be an issue.
• Wood rot, leaf spots, and bleeding canker may occur.

Garden notes
• Avoid planting sweetgum in alkaline soils, as it causes an iron deficiency in the tree.
• L. styraciflua looks great as part of a woodland garden, as a street tree, or as a specimen.
• Plant sweetgum in a large area with plenty of room to grow.
• The tree’s fruit may be a nuisance if you plant sweetgum near a street or other heavily trafficked area.
• Sweetgum begins to produce seeds when it is 20 to 30 years old and will continue until it is at least 150 years old.

All in the family
• Liquidambar is a genus of four species of deciduous trees from East and Southwest Asia, North America, and Mexico.
• The trees are cultivated especially for their striking foliage and their graceful upright, open habit.
• The gum from sweetgum trees has been used in chewing gum, flavorings, incense, and perfumes.

Where to buy
• J.L. Hudson, Seedsman, La Honda, CA, www.jlhudsonseeds.net
• Shooting Star Nursery, Georgetown, KY, 866-405-7979, www.shootingstarnursery.com
• Stokes Tropicals, Jeanerette, LA, 866-478-2502, www.stokestropicals.plants.com

(Text by Elyse Lucas, photo courtesy of Kemper Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden)

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Current Articles \| Archives \| Search Sweetgum Plant of the Week BY: Elyse Lucas 0 With autumn comes a parade of riotous hues. From deep reds to warm oranges to flushed purples, color is in the air—and on the branches, and on the ground, especially if you’re lucky enough to have sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in your yard. This native North American tree’s common name comes from the aromatic gum that seeps from its wounds. Pyramidal in shape during its infancy, sweetgum slowly grows into an open oval as it matures. Its glossy green leaves are toothed at the edges and scented when crushed. Sweetgum’s brilliant fall foliage is a profusion of oranges, reds, yellows, and purples. Common name: Sweetgum Botanical name: Liquidambar styraciflua Plant type: Tree Zones: 5 to 9 Height: 60 to 80 feet Family: Hamamelidaceae Growing conditions • Sun: Full sun • Soil: Average, fertile, well-drained • Moisture: Medium Care • Mulch: Mulch to preserve moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. • Pruning: None needed. • Fertilizer: None needed. Propagation • By seed or by cuttings. Pests and diseases • No major insect or disease problems, although borers, caterpillars, scale, and webworms may be an issue. • Wood rot, leaf spots, and bleeding canker may occur. Garden notes • Avoid planting sweetgum in alkaline soils, as it causes an iron deficiency in the tree. • L. styraciflua looks great as part of a woodland garden, as a street tree, or as a specimen. • Plant sweetgum in a large area with plenty of room to grow. • The tree’s fruit may be a nuisance if you plant sweetgum near a street or other heavily trafficked area. • Sweetgum begins to produce seeds when it is 20 to 30 years old and will continue until it is at least 150 years old. All in the family • Liquidambar is a genus of four species of deciduous trees from East and Southwest Asia, North America, and Mexico. • The trees are cultivated especially for their striking foliage and their graceful upright, open habit. • The gum from sweetgum trees has been used in chewing gum, flavorings, incense, and perfumes. Where to buy • J.L. Hudson, Seedsman, La Honda, CA, www.jlhudsonseeds.net • Shooting Star Nursery, Georgetown, KY, 866-405-7979, www.shootingstarnursery.com • Stokes Tropicals, Jeanerette, LA, 866-478-2502, www.stokestropicals.plants.com (Text by Elyse Lucas, photo courtesy of Kemper Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden) Comments There are currently no comments, be the first to post one. Post Comment Only registered users may post comments.