Liquidambar styraciflua
sweetgum
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.
Light:
Full Sun, Part Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
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
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.
