Sweetgum

Details

Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua

Trail Location: 25

Sweetgum at Townsend River Walk & Arboretum

  1. General Info
  2. Flowers
  3. Leaves
  4. Fruit
  5. Wildlife Value
  6. Addtional Info

Plant Type: Deciduous

Family: Altingiaceae

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Plant Id: list2

Height: 60 - 80

Spread: 40 - 50

Flower:: Minimal

Leaf Image:

Leaf Description:: A star shaped leaf with 5 - 7 lobes. It is aromatic when crushed.

Fall Leaf Color:: Brilliant Reds, Oranges and Yellows

Birds: Nesting, cover and food. Mammals: Food

Missouri Botanical: Missouri Botanical

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

In East Tennessee this tall "teepee" shaped tree is often called a Gumball tree, due to the golf ball sized fruit with sharp points.  It loves the acidic soil in the is area and propagates fairly easily.  It is a hardwood with important lumber value.