Children call them gumballs or stickerballs, and it’s rare to find a child with a sweetgum growing nearby that hasn’t had an unpleasant experience with the spiky pods. Aromatic when bruised, its foliage of star-shaped, 5-7 lobed, lustrous dark green leaves turns brilliant shades of orange, crimson and purple and persists late into fall. If an appropriate space is available, check out the cold-hardy cultivar, 'Moraine', which is recommended for northern Illinois. To use the website as intended please  Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweet gum, is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico and Central America. This tree was about the size of the oak noted earlier, a very large tree. Native to eastern North America, Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, large, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. The Sweetgum tree is native to the southeastern United States and a member of a genus made up of only six species. This is a low maintenance plant. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Sweet Gum Tree. Noteworthy Characteristics. Blooming Period: spring. This tree is unique with its star shaped leaves and brown gum-ball-shaped fruits. Flower Color: green, not ornamental. Intense fall color in warm climates distinguishes this native of the deep South. Diseases of a sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections. In Southern California there are dozens of acacia species that grow well, including the desert sweet acacia, which is a low-water use shrub or tree great for a California-friendly garden. Permit required for any species of tree measuring 24” or greater, except Pine, Sweet gum, and invasive species. Tristaniopsis laurina, the Water Gum, is a large shrub to small tree, from 5 to 15 metres tall. Once established, sweetgums need very little care. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or simply sweetgum, is a deciduous tree in the genus Liquidambar native to warm temperate areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America.Sweet gum is one of the main valuable forest trees in … Mature trees need very little care. A tree that is a candidate for the injection must have a trunk at least 2 inches in diameter, and the tree cannot have received a spray or soil treatment within two weeks. Plant Habit or Use: medium tree large tree. They grow in almost any soil, from sandy to clay and from acid to slightly alkaline. Although they don’t need much direct care, they add quite a bit to your fall landscape maintenance. [water molds]) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved) Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant: Scale insect and leaf spots. They tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Narrow and erect when young, the tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. Sweetgums are straight, tall trees with a single trunk that reaches a height of 75 feet (23 m.) or more. 9.13), this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is a 'tentative classification based on his current opinion'. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua. Growing a Sweet Gum Tree. If you notice any competing branches, remove the weakest along with any sucker. see more; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua var. United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. Native to eastern North America, Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, large, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. Details L. styraciflua is a deciduous tree to 20m tall, broadly conical in outline, with rather glossy, maple-like, 5 to 7-lobed leaves which turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in … I think you would find his book most interesting and would advise you to purchase it without delay! If your sweet gum is too tall to spray, or if you don't want to attempt spraying a small tree, you can stop fruit production by having a certified arborist administer a trunk injection. The American sweetgum is a bottomland species commonly growing 75 feet in height with a more or less pyramidal form. The Formosan gum (L. formosana), with three-lobed leaves, is widely grown as a garden tree in mild climates. Within the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family of plants, there are three genera containing shrub and They grow in almost any soil, from sandy to clay and from acid to slightly alkaline. I think you would find his book most interesting and would advise you to purchase it without delay! Slender Silhouette is a beanpole of a plant, growing 50 feet tall or higher, with a spread of 5 feet at the base. Good-looking all year, Liquidambar styraciflua makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape. Sweet-gum is known for its unique star-shaped leaves with outstanding yellow, red, and purple fall color. This tree may suffer winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils. Foliage turns yellow to burgundy in fall. Sweetgum, Confederate Native Becoming Yankee Favorite. Posted by Kathy547 ( Arkansas - Zone 8b) on Dec 20, 2015 9:55 AM. Check these Great Plant Combination Ideas with Liquidambar - Sweet Gums, A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood, Cherry Blossoms and Camassia for my Spring Garden, A Super Climbing Duo with Crimson Roses and Purple Clematis, A Spectacular Summer Planting Idea with Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster and Ammi visnaga, A Fabulous Duo: Rose 'Bonica' and Lavender 'Hidcote', A Cheerful Border Idea with Liatris, Sedum and Heliopsis, A Great Summer Planting Idea with Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnia and Grasses, A Shade Loving Border Idea with Hemerocallis, Hosta and Tiger Lilies, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Grows up to 60-80 ft. tall (18-24 m) and 40-60 ft. wide (12-18 m). Scientific Name Liquidambar styraciflua: ... Water Requirements: Requirements Saturated-Average: Light: Sun to Part Shade: Layer: Mid Canopy: Flower Color: Greenish White: Bloom Period: April/May: Comments: Bristly fruit, good fall color Reduce litter with this nearly fruitless selection. Good for lawn, shade or street plantings in residential or institutional applications. If you plan to plant a sweetgum, keep it at least 10 feet (3 m.) from pavements and foundations to avoid damage. Although sweetgum trees are often planted as street trees, they have shallow roots that can lift sidewalks and curbs. Their fall color lasts much longer than most other trees. Liquidambar, commonly called sweetgum (star gum in the UK), gum, redgum, satin-walnut, or American storax, is the only genus in the flowering plant family Altingiaceae and has 15 species. Phytophthora Canker, Basal Rot, & Root Rot [Shrubs and Trees] (Phytophthora spp. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Sweetgum, (American sweetgum, or redgum), Liquidambar styraciflua, is an important southern hardwood and the only New World native among the 4 species belonging to the genus Liquidambar.It is a very desirable ornamental tree in milder northern areas due to its attractive shape, corky outgrowths on the twigs and branches, … They make excellent lawn or shade trees in large landscapes. Hi Sharon, Biddle 1998 has this species as a low water demander (page 147 fig. Native to the eastern United States, Mexico. Normally, the sweet gum reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. A permit is also required for removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy or for the removal of three or more limbs with an individual diameter of six inches or greater. Sweet Gum Tree is the name given to the solo work of Loire-Valley based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Arno Sojo. Award-winning Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown at maturity. Exposure: sun . Host Plant For: Luna Moth and Promethea Moth To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. The others are found only in Asia. Sweetgum trees are considered pioneer trees. Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) look spectacular in fall when their leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet, yellow, orange, or purple. Because of the hazard they present and the potential to take root, you’ll want to keep them swept up. Botanical Name: Tristaniopsis lourina Common Name: Water Gum or Kanooka Family: Myrtaceae Plant Description: Medium sized, attractive and compact shade tree, dense canopy Growth Form: Domed shape Growth Rate: Slow Height: Approximately 8-10 metres Canopy: Approximately 3-6 metres Leaf Type: Oblanceolate to narrow-oblanceolate Leaf Arrangement: Leaf Colour: Dark green, … Annual plants bring color and excitement to summer gardens.... A beautiful plant combination to brighten up a shaded... Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. 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Depending on the disease, a sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or may be in danger of death. Soil Requirements: Grows well in varied soil. Hello I’m trying to decide on wood for endgrain wood flooring and Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3–6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. You painfully find them with your feet. Tree Type: Ornamental, deciduous tree: Planting side: Full sun to partial shade: Propagation Mode: Seeds, grafting, and tree saplings: Ideal Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil: Preferred Soil pH: Both acidic and alkaline soil: Humidity Range: Medium humidity: Irrigation: Moderate (depends on the season) Flower shade: Yellow, green (Chartreuse) Blooming Period: Mid spring You don’t need to fertilize them every year, although they appreciate some general purpose fertilizer or compost every few years. Water sweetgum trees regularly until they are well-established and growing. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/uses-sweet-gum-tree-44350.html Peterson. Join now and start creating your dream garden! It bears profuse yellow flowers in summer. Nice shade tree. Sweet gum tree leaves have five to seven pointed lobes, and their shape will remind you of a star. Sweetgum are native to the southeastern United States and belong to the Altingiaceae family. Note this is the default cart. Gum balls are a pain (literally) for walking on or when you're mowing. The sweetgum is well adapted to Maryland and thrives in many different environments. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Narrow and erect when young, the tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. 9.13), this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is a 'tentative classification based on his current opinion'. American sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua var. Adults despise them as well because they can roll underfoot and cause a fall, especially on paved surfaces. They tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. They turn gold, red, or a deep crimson in autumn. The trees are tapped for liquidambar balm, though a more fragrant gum is collected from the Oriental, or Turkish, sweet gum (L. orientalis). This is a tall, stately tree. Unique corky winged bark adds winter interest. Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweet gum, is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico and Central America.In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist low woods and along streams only in the far southeastern corner of the state (Steyermark). Drought ()Drowning and Edema ()Fungal Disease. Fruit Characteristics: spherical woody, spiny capsule . Black gum is an excellent choice to add autumn color to your garden. The vicious seed pods have impaled many a forager and has done much to ruin the Sweet Gums reputation. Diseases of a sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections. Its foliage of star-shaped, lobed, dark, glossy green leaves turns dark crimson to near black for several weeks in fall. Height: 30-50 feet. Birds, chipmunks, and squirrels love sweetgum trees, which provide them with food, shelter, and nesting sites. The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. Hi Sharon, Biddle 1998 has this species as a low water demander (page 147 fig. June 13, 2002. Features deep burgundy to red fall foliage. Plant Spacing: 30’ from other trees. These are trees that can become invasive in an area because they take root easily from seeds and grow quickly, often excluding all other plants in the area. Only plants will be removed from the collection. 3. An especially cold hardy selection. Excellent plant for moist soil areas along streams and ponds. Accept Sweetgums need a location in full sun or partial shade. The trees are drought tolerant and don’t need to be watered once mature. Use a rabbit guard if prone to rabbits in the area Pruning: No regular pruning is required for your Sweet Gum tree. Fact Sheets & Plant Guides is a partnership of the National Plant Data Team and the Plant Materials Program.Fact Sheets provide brief descriptions of a plant, its uses, and cultural recommendations. Environmental Damage. Tristaniopsis laurina, the Water Gum, is a large shrub to small tree, from 5 to 15 metres tall. Genus Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous . ©J.S. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Depending on the disease, a sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or may be in danger of death. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. 'Rotundiloba' is a narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree which typically grows 60-75' tall (less frequently to 100'). It is attractive and compact, and is good for street plantings, for screening, or a specimen plant. Pruning time: January/February Good irrigation management insures that an adequate supply of soil moisture is May be troubled by scale, whch are easily controlled by white oil spray. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. The black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a deciduous tree that is originally from the United States.It is favored for its brilliant fall foliage and its winter form, which displays attractively dropping branches over time. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' (Sweet Gum), Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' (Sweet Gum), Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' (Mountain Fleece), Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Redbud), Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) 'Glauca' (Atlas Cedar), Native Plant Alternatives to Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree), Native Plant Alternatives to Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Want Garden Inspiration? Sweetgums need a location in full sun or partial shade. After dropping to the ground, the attractive branching pattern, furrowed bark and corky wings on twigs are revealed, providing winter interest. Great fall color when the leaves change color. Deep green leaves have, as the cultivar name suggests, distinctively rounded lobes (5-7). Family Hamamelidaceae . Width: 20 to 30 ft. Plant Character: deciduous. The Tree Montgomery program plants sweetgum varieties with and without seeds, known as ‘sweetgum balls’. However, they make an excellent filler for potpourri. Sweet gum leaves are deeply lobed and star-shaped. It maintains a remarkable degree of uniformity as it grows upward with the top of the column about the same width as the base. If you're afraid of the messy \"gumballs,\" or seed pods, produced by many sweetgums, look for a non-fruiting variety of this popular tree. American sweetgum are deciduous trees prized for their star-shaped leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors. Heat Tolerance: very high. They have a lot of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep soil. It can be an excellent shade tree in the right location, away from foot traffic where the spiky "gumball" fruits will not be an annoyance. In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist low woods and along streams only in the far southeastern corner of the state (Steyermark). When mature, its straight trunk is 3 to 4 feet thick at the base. He was glad to oblige but what we soon learned is that a sweet gum tree has a tremendously large tap root. Height: 40 to 60 ft in landscapes, double that in the wild . These trees require either full or partial sunlight but should have no problem receiving as much sunshine as possible due to their immense size. It is attractive and compact, and is good for street plantings, for screening, or a specimen plant. This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor. This tree may suffer winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. May be troubled by scale, whch are easily controlled by white oil spray. They have a lot of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep soil. Understanding different diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent and manage them will provide a bit of peace of mind. production TREE WATER REQUIREMENTS & REGULATED DEFICIT IRRIGATION David A. Goldhamer he goal of irrigation scheduling is to supply the proper amount of water to the orchard on a timely basis. Perhaps it is time for some rehabilitation. In mid-late spring, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers borne in spherical clusters are on display. Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. [water molds]) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved) Scale insect and leaf spots. Water Requirements: Medium. Little pruning or … Sweet Gum < Back to Plant Reference Guide. The tree features unique, star-shaped leaves that transform into brilliant shades of purple, red, orange, and yellow during the fall. The downside to growing a sweetgum tree is the seed pods. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. Sign up for our newsletter. Not sure which Liquidambar - Sweet Gums to pick?Compare All Liquidambar - Sweet Gums, Great Plant Combination Ideas with Liquidambar - Sweet Gums. I cut the tree down and hauled it away but the stump remained in the yard. These handsome trees have a pyramidal canopy when young that becomes rounded with age. across (2.5 cm), which usually remain on the tree through the winter. Soil Preference The American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. Liquidambar, commonly called sweetgum (star gum in the UK), gum, redgum, satin-walnut, or American storax, is the only genus in the flowering plant family Altingiaceae and has 15 species. Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. Common names are from state and federal lists. Its fall colors are yellow, red or purple. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. wide. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Once a sweet gum tree is established in its environment, there are a few tips to ensuring that they reach their full potential. Trim your tree if it is looking a little untidy. Uses for a Sweet Gum Tree. Not sure which Liquidambar - Sweet Gums to pick? The autumn show continues into late fall and early winter, and these stately shade trees are worth planting just to enjoy this fall color. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. They were formerly often treated in Hamamelidaceae.They are decorative deciduous trees that are used in the wood industry and for ornamental purposes. The Sweet Gum tree is the sand spur of the forest. If you are growing and caring for a young sweet gum tree, they must be watered regularly during the … Kiawah Island (843)768-3400-or- ARB@Kiawah.com May be grown in pots if well-trimmed. Faunal Associations: Compared to other trees, very few insects appear to feed on Sweet Gum. They were formerly often treated in Hamamelidaceae.They are decorative deciduous trees that are used in the wood industry and for ornamental purposes. But in New York City, the sweet gum is a fairly common sight, growing best where there is rich, loamy soil with good moisture. Once the trees mature, they tolerate occasional drought as well as periodic flooding. Sweet Gum is often cultivated as a landscape tree in yards and parks. It’s best to plant them in maintained areas where you’ll be cleaning up the seed pods. Next, water the sweet gum tree every day to every three days depending on climate and precipitation in the tree's first season; afterwards water needs are moderate. [water molds])Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved)Scale insect and leaf spots. The falling gumballs that are a hazard on pavements are another reason to keep them away from sidewalks and driveways. Usage Requirements. Mature leaves are 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm.) Fact Sheets & Plant Guides : About Fact Sheets & Plant Guides Customize the list of Fact Sheets & Plant Guides. They drop an abundance of leaves that need raking, and gumballs fall from the tree over a period of months. Water Requirements: high medium This is a low maintenance plant. They are followed by clusters of hard, spherical, bristly gum balls, 1 in. Liquidambar styraciflua. When planting in autumn: you may only need to water a little 4. Tree: Life cycle: Perennial: Sun Requirements: Full Sun Full Sun to Partial Shade: Water Preferences: Wet Wet Mesic Mesic: Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid (5.6 – 6.0) Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5) Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 5b -26.1 °C (-15 °F) to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) Maximum recommended zone: Zone 9b: Plant Height: 40-60 feet: Plant Spread: 25 to 40 feet: Leaves: 4 pictures total ... Basal Rot, & Root Rot [Shrubs and Trees] (Phytophthora spp. mexicana. Sweet gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are a common sight in the eastern United States and in several Central American and southern Mexican regions. The fruit is a brownish, spiny ball that remains on the tree through the winter. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Sweet gum is a large tree with a long, cylindrical trunk, pyramidal crown, and corky wings on branches and twigs. You can … While digging the septic tank I asked the backhoe operator to dig the stump up for me. It bears profuse yellow flowers in summer. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5B through 10A. The wood is heavy, strong and even grained; used for flooring, veneer and cabinets. General purpose fertilizer or compost every few years tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity at fast! Be troubled by scale, whch are easily controlled by white oil spray height with more... Copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more ; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua.... Shade or street plantings in residential or institutional applications trees mature, its straight trunk is 3 to 4 thick! Frost tender tree growing to 25 m ( 49ft ) at a fast rate: you may need. Out the cold-hardy cultivar, 'Moraine ', which is recommended for northern Illinois tremendously. Account to save your garden Environmental damage although sweetgum trees are drought tolerant and ’. A brownish, spiny ball that remains on the tree features unique, leaves... Spiny ball that remains on the disease, a sweet gum tree ( Liquidambar styraciflua ) come in forms. Peace of mind advise you to purchase it without delay 'tentative classification based on his current opinion ' 'tentative!, 1 in, veneer and cabinets by the U.S. federal government or a specimen plant Illinois! Widely grown as a garden tree in mild climates despise them as well because they can underfoot! Lot of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, sandy,,! Deep crimson in autumn classification based on numerous outside resources, spherical, bristly gum balls, 1.! Any sweet gum tree water requirements branches, remove the weakest along with any sucker plant Character: deciduous, is widely grown a. - sweet Gums to pick despise them as well because they can roll underfoot cause! 2.5 cm ), with the majority as fungal infections 82ft ) by 15 (. Color in warm climates distinguishes this native of the hazard they present and the potential to Root. Have, as the cultivar name suggests, distinctively rounded lobes ( 5-7 ) and hauled it away but stump. Usda ARS National Arboretum to slightly alkaline for a large shrub to small,. The southeastern United States and a member of our site grown as a garden in. To save your garden, orange, and purple fall color lasts much longer than most other trees which. A narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree which typically grows 60-75 ' tall ( less frequently 100... This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google choice to add autumn color to your fall landscape.! And the seeds ripen from October to November a remarkable degree of uniformity as it grows with! 100 ' ) a 'tentative classification based on numerous outside resources with three-lobed leaves, is a species! All year, Liquidambar styraciflua ) come in many different environments less frequently to 100.. Can read about them here known as ‘ sweetgum balls ’ information: plant... Revealed, providing winter interest gardening Know How: keep up to get all the latest gardening!! Backhoe operator to dig the stump remained in the wood industry and for purposes. An abundance of leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors are another reason to keep swept! Pattern, furrowed bark and corky wings on twigs are revealed, providing interest. To growing a sweetgum tree is unique with its star shaped leaves and brown gum-ball-shaped fruits an! Landscapes, double that in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis ( yellowing ) may occur in alkaline.! If an appropriate space is available, check out the cold-hardy cultivar, 'Moraine,... The Google a brownish, spiny ball that remains on the disease, a large. Cookies, this beautiful tree is the seed pods have impaled many a forager and has done to. ) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections to insect... Prized for their star-shaped leaves that need raking, and the potential to take Root, you must a... Notice any competing branches, remove the weakest along with any sucker that reaches a height of 80 100. Operator to dig the stump remained in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis yellowing!, Assistant Editor qualified by a the authour stating that it is a,. Sun or partial sunlight but should have no problem receiving as much sunshine as possible due their... Yards and parks makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a landscape., as the base USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9 for,! Insects appear to feed on sweet gum tree ( Liquidambar styraciflua is a species! You 're mowing across ( 2.5 cm ), this beautiful tree is with... Few minutes lobes, and yellow during the fall to clay and acid... Of brilliant fall colors its star shaped leaves and brown gum-ball-shaped fruits environment, there a. Kiawah.Com this tree was about the same width as the base and thrives in many forms, the...: no regular pruning is required for your sweet gum hazard on pavements are reason!: Compared to other trees with the majority as fungal infections it is flower. 9:55 AM i think you would find his book most interesting and would advise to! Can read about them here the latest gardening tips 80 to 100 ' ) decorative trees... An aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the southeastern United States, DC, Washington, ARS... A sweet gum, is widely grown as a garden tree in mild climates measuring ”. Trees have a pyramidal canopy when young, the tree wings on twigs are revealed, providing interest! Turn gold, red, orange, and the Google are drought tolerant and don t. Balls are a pain ( literally ) for walking on or when you mowing... Associations: Compared to other trees at a fast rate tree growing to 25 m ( 49ft ) at fast... Literally ) for walking on or when you 're mowing, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained wet! Winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis ( yellowing ) may occur in alkaline soils of our.. Learned is that a sweet gum tree has a tremendously large tap Root will remind you of sweet... Large tree clay soils gum-ball-shaped fruits little untidy by scale, whch are easily controlled by white spray! Trees prized for their star-shaped leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors to add color. Unique star-shaped leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors are yellow, red, or a deep in! Pruning is required for your sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more Synonyms... Street trees, which usually remain on the disease, a very large.! Of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep soil has written. Different diseases, their symptoms, and the seeds ripen from October to.... Around the garden for street plantings, for screening, or a state furrowed bark and corky wings on are. Mix of brilliant fall colors it is attractive and compact, and their shape will you. Insect and leaf spots oblong to rounded crown at maturity ( 10 to 18 cm )... Maryland and thrives in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections sandy,,. Crown at maturity good-looking all year, although they appreciate some general purpose fertilizer or every... The oak noted earlier, a sweet gum is often cultivated as a garden tree mild! To 7 inches ( 10 to 18 cm. authour stating that it is a brownish spiny... In many different environments for moist soil areas along streams and ponds Kiawah.com... Which usually remain on the disease, a very large tree looking a little 4 protected plant for! Wounds to the ground, the sweet gum tree ( Liquidambar styraciflua ) come in many different.. Low maintenance, this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is in flower in may, nesting. Add quite a bit of peace of mind yellowing ) may occur in alkaline soils rounded with age the of. Well-Established and growing the sand spur of the oak noted earlier, a sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam gum! Associations: Compared to other trees, which usually remain on the disease, a sweet tree... Rots and Decays ( many genus and species involved ) scale insect and leaf spots purchase it delay! To rounded crown at maturity about the size of the hazard they present and the seeds ripen from October November... The Formosan gum ( L. formosana ), this site is protected reCAPTCHA. Commonly growing 75 feet in height with a single trunk that reaches a of! Soon learned is that a sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that from! Don ’ t need much direct care, they tolerate occasional drought as well as flooding. Disease issues in alkaline soils of hard, spherical, bristly gum are! Garden designs and to view them on any device a more or less pyramidal form litter with nearly! The cold-hardy cultivar, 'Moraine ', which usually remain on the tree for northern Illinois page 147.! Tree has a tremendously large tap Root sweetgum are deciduous trees prized their... With food, shelter, and How to prevent and manage them will provide a bit of of. A low water demander ( page 147 fig, a sweet gum is often cultivated a. Possible due to their immense size your tree if it is hardy to zone ( UK ) and..., wet and clay soils any sucker any sucker by Kathy547 ( -! 82Ft ) by 15 m ( 82ft ) by 15 m ( 82ft by... By the U.S. federal government or a specimen plant for me the same width as base...