Liquidambar styraciflua

American Sweetgum

Family: Altingiaceae

Native Region: Eastern US, Naturalized: California

Plant Community: Oak Hickory

Size: 60-80′ tall, 40-60′ wide

Hardiness Zone: 4-8

Habitat: Found in moist low woods, along streams. Can be in seaside locations if protected from winds. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun, swamps, and wetland margins. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soil but tolerates a wide range of conditions EXCLUDING alkaline soils, prefers moist soils not dry soils. Prefers moderately coarse to fine soils which are slightly acidic (pH 6.1-6.5). Tolerant to flooding and intolerant of shade.

Leaf: Light yellow-green

Flower: None, but fertile fronts are brown and bead-like, show up late summer and persist through winter.

Ecosystem services: This is a good choice for open space and recolonizing areas with difficult terrain and conditions but should not be used as a street tree. Can be used for areas with cyclical flooding. Tolerant of black walnut, clay soil, deer, rabbit. Good shade tree but not street tree because of falling gum balls and clusters. Aromatic sap, slightly sugary.