Description
The American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a stately deciduous tree that develops a pyramidal shape with well-spaced branches and distinctive rugged, corky bark. Its glossy, five to seven-lobed leaves, resembling those of a maple, provide an attractive appearance. In autumn, the sweetgum is renowned for its spectacular and long-lasting display of red, orange, yellow, and purple foliage, making it a superb choice for seasonal interest. Notably, its autumn coloration is consistent across various climates. However, it’s important to consider its root development: in dry soils, it forms a strong taproot for wind resistance, but in wetter soils, its roots remain shallow and it becomes less wind-tolerant. The American sweetgum is native to regions from the central and eastern United States down to Central America.
Deciduous
Height 6m
Width 4m
Estimate after 10 years
