Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Hamamelidaceae
Other names
American Sweet Gum
Growth habit
Tree
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
CT South to NY, FL, Southern OH, IN, IL, MO, TX and Mexico
Location
Source of plant
Northeast Regional Plant Introduction Station, Fry & Sons Inc., Bailey Nurseries, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Moses Nurseries
Description
Densely pyramidal when young, of very neat outline, often with an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. 60-75' in height, with spread equal to 2/3's the height; can reach 80-120' in the wild. Fall color richyellow-purple-red tones; great variability in fall color; some individuals are disappointing, while others are exceptional.
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Special characteristics
fall color, foliage characteristics