Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweetgums are highly ornamental trees or shrubs which have been on top of the popularity list for centuries. These come from North America from where they spread to nearly whole world: from colder parts of temperate regions to southern countries where summer temperatures easily reach 40°C. Their give-away are star-shaped leaves which can easily be mistaken for maple leaves, and their autumn colours.

This is the species of sweetgum. Its maple-like, star-shaped leaves are medium-deeply or deeply cut and have fresh green colour. As it is reproduced mainly by seeds the plants often vary even if grown from seeds of the same parent. This results in plants having slightly different characteristics such as shallow or deep lobing of leaves and variable autumn colour: some will turn more orange, others deeper red. Nevertheless, autumn colours offer a breathtaking show when leaves turn multiple of colours: yellow, orange, pink, red, and even deep burgundy, almost black.

Another nice feature is the fruit. Formed in about 3 cm wide spiny spheres they can be quite attractive to look at and a bit irritating when stepped on barefoot once they have hardened up, if not cleared from pavements or lawns in spring.

Sweet gum is also known for its interesting bark which is deeply furrowed with narrow ridges. Some people think it a disease so we have to reassure them that it is to look attractive, not ill :-).

It grows at medium speed and forms a slightly irregular, pyramidal shape. Sweet gum is usually sold feathered = with branches starting from ground level or as a standard tree where branches were removed up to about 2m. It can be grown as a specimen tree or as an informal hedge that is pruned every year in early spring.

Sweet gums are soil tolerant but prefer semi-fertile, deep, and well-drained soil that should be slightly acidic to neutral and moist. Once established they can take both temporary flooding and drought. The location should be sunny as it does not tolerate shaded areas. If you buy a plant taller than say 1.5m stake it well for at least 2 years. Plants older than 3 years are fully hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 07-12-2008