American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Also listed as Liquidambar macrophylla, Liquidambar barbata
Also known as Sweet Gum, Alligatorwood, Gumball Tree
Climate Match for your location
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A large deciduous tree prized for its star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant purples, reds, and oranges in fall, and spiky ball-like fruit capsules. Adaptable and moderate-growing, it makes an excellent shade tree for larger landscapes.
Why grow it
Sweetgum offers reliable fall color and substantial shade in landscapes where space permits, with less susceptibility to certain pests than some co-occurring oaks and maples. Its tolerance for wet and compacted soils makes it useful in poorly drained sites where alternatives may struggle. The species establishes more quickly than many native hardwoods, though growth is moderate rather than fast.
Watch out for
The spiky fruit capsules persist into winter and can be a maintenance concern in manicured settings; hand-raking or leaving them in place are common management approaches. Sweetgum performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and can show stress in very dry conditions. Branch angles are sometimes narrow, so young trees may benefit from structural pruning to reduce limb breakage in storms.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Altingiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large deciduous tree prized for its star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant purples, reds, and oranges in fall, and spiky ball-like fruit capsules. Adaptable and moderate-growing, it makes an excellent shade tree for larger landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American Sweetgum grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sweetgum offers reliable fall color and substantial shade in landscapes where space permits, with less susceptibility to certain pests than some co-occurring oaks and maples. Its tolerance for wet and compacted soils makes it useful in poorly drained sites where alternatives may struggle. The species establishes more quickly than many native hardwoods, though growth is moderate rather than fast.
Watch out for
The spiky fruit capsules persist into winter and can be a maintenance concern in manicured settings; hand-raking or leaving them in place are common management approaches. Sweetgum performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and can show stress in very dry conditions. Branch angles are sometimes narrow, so young trees may benefit from structural pruning to reduce limb breakage in storms.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Altingiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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