About this tree
Liquidambar styraciflua, or sweetgum, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States and parts of Central America. It grows up to 20–30 m tall and is admired for its star-shaped leaves, which turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple in autumn – often simultaneously on the same tree. The tree produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in spring and spiky, ball-shaped seed capsules (often called “gumballs”) in autumn, which persist into winter. These fruits provide food for birds and small mammals. Sweetgum is a habitat tree for various pollinators and hosts multiple caterpillar species. It prefers moist, acidic soil and full sun, but tolerates clay and wet conditions. The tree’s aromatic resin, once used in chewing gum and traditional medicine, gives it the name “sweetgum”. Though it can be slow to become established, it is a striking feature tree once established, especially prized for its extended and vibrant autumn display.