Sweet Gum Tree

Sweet Gum Tree Can Get Huge

The Sweet Gum tree is one of the most attractive and easy to grow trees in North America that grows with relative ease in a range of different environments. Scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua, the tree is well known for its beautiful shape that usually sees these trees grow to around 75 feet in a yard and more than 120 feet in the wild.

Sweet Gum Tree Has Small Flowers

The tree has a long, straight trunk that allows a conical shape to form, with larger, wide branches closer to the base of the trunk becoming skinnier at the top. One of the most impressive aspects of the tree is its display that includes bright green leaves that form into a star shape. Small flowers do form in late Spring and early Summer that are a bright yellow-green color with a touch of red skirting the edge of the petals. The arrival of Fall sees the display of the foliage become important, with the bright green leaves turning a yellow-orange color.

Sweet Gum Tree Provides Tons Of Shade

There are a number of benefits for a property owner who is interested in providing a large amount of shade in their yard and fixing any nitrogen problems within their soil. The tree has become known to many gardeners for the one-inch fruit that grows in the Summer and can linger until January. Growing this stunning tree is made easier by this species ability to adapt to acidic, sandy, well-drained soils that make this an important part of many gardens.

Sweet Gum Tree

Hardy Planting Zones - Five to nine

Bloom Season - Spring to early Summer

Bloom Color - Yellow-green

Height at Maturity - 80 to 120 feet

Soil Type Preferred - A variety of soil with rich, moist soil is the best option