Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

sweetgum

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Liquidambar styraciflua

Family:

Altingiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

to 80 ft ft tall by to 30 ft ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

Deciduous. Blooms (inconspicuous) in spring. Fruit ripens in fall. Life span: 75+ years.

Noted For:

Aroma/Showy Fruitsagrance, Hurricane Wind Resistance, Fall Color, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Shade tree. This is a clone former, so it can also be used to provide screening or for an "island" of habitat for wildlife

Considerations:

Plant where its persistent bur-like fruits (gum balls) will not be underfoot. Also, its resinous leaves will stain cement driveways and car finishes.

Availability:

Big Box Stores, Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

Prefers acid but adaptable.

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars

Larval host plant for luna ( Actias luna ) moths.

Provides cover for birds and other animals.

Native Habitats:

Dry-moist sites. River bottoms, upland hardwood forests, roadsides.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments: