Sweetgum - Liquidambar styraciflua (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Sweetgum

Also known as: Redgum, American storax

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a medium-to-large tree native to warm temperate regions of North and Central America. It puts on a brilliant autumn display - the leathery star-shaped foliage turns orange, red, and burgundy, with multicolored individual leaves. Decorative foliage and an elegant straight trunk earned sweetgum a prominent place in parks and treelines around the world.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

15 m to 46 m

Plant Height

15 m

Spread

Green, Red, Orange, Purple, Yellow, White, Variegated

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper, Black

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Sweetgum

Attributes of Sweetgum

Growth Rate

In the active growing seasons of Spring and Summer, sweetgum exhibits a rapid growth rate, greatly influencing its morphology. This velocity facilitates quick canopy development and robust leaf production. However, in other seasons, its growth drastically decelerates. This pattern showcases sweetgum's phenomenal adaptation to seasonal variations, providing fascinating insights into its dynamic growth rhythm.

Distribution of Sweetgum

Distribution Map

Sweetgum is native to North America, from as far south as Nicaragua to the warmer regions of the eastern United States. It is found in moist forest areas, swamps, and wetlands. This plant is cultivated throughout its native range, and has been introduced in some parts of Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Swampy woods, rich bottom lands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

American sweetgum can be planted as a shelter forest.

Economic Value

American sweetgum can be used to make furniture and other things.

Garden Use

Sweetgum is widely planted in residential areas, courtyards, parks and other places. This tall tree is a common choice for gardens and landscapes as a specimen or accent tree due its tidy pyramidal shape and its relatively quick rate of growth. It grows well alongside Redbud and Atlas cedar trees, and try Mountain fleece and Sneezeweed underneath.

Symbolism

Fortitude, purification, healing, a powerful protector

Interesting Facts

Those who can catch them will get good luck and blessings. Those who see the falling of American sweetgum leaves with their beloved ones will get good blessings.

Name Story

Sweetgum: Liquidambar styraciflua is a tree that is capable of secreting clear natural resins. Sometimes, the natural resins secreted are laced with a red or yellow color. When its trunk is damaged, the resin emits a fragrant scent that is sweet and pleasant. Hence, it is known as the sweetgum.

Star-leaved gum: If you examine the leaves carefully, you will discover that they are actually shaped like a pentagram. When all the leaves turn red, the beauty of the tree is more spectacular than a starry night. So the shape of its leaves is the reason why it is called the star-leaved gum.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweetgum, including the following common varieties :

Sweetgum 'Lane Roberts'Sweetgum 'Slender Silhouette'Sweetgum 'Worplesdon'

Quickly Identify Sweetgum

Star-shaped leaves with 5-7 pointed lobes

Globose, spiky green fruits turning brown

Corky scales on trunk, deeply furrowed bark

Alternate, simple leaves with serrate venation

Gum balls persisting on branches through winter

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Care Guide for Sweetgum

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from moist forests, sweetgum thrives in humid conditions and shows moderate drought tolerance. Water every 1-2 weeks, keeping soil evenly damp. As a deciduous tree, sweetgum requires more frequent watering during the growing season to support foliage development.

Fertilize: For optimal health, sweetgum requires balanced fertilizers in spring and high nitrogen in fall, applied every 3-4 months per manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overfeeding, and always water after application to enhance nutrient absorption. Following these guidelines maximizes sweetgum's growth and aesthetic appeal.

Pruning: Sweetgum thrives with early spring pruning to encourage healthy growth and enhance its striking autumn foliage. Remove dead or diseased wood and thin crowded branches for better air circulation. Minimal pruning is advisable to avoid stressing the plant and maintain its structural integrity.

Propagation: Propagation of sweetgum is effective through semi-hardwood cuttings treated with rooting hormone in a well-draining medium. Optimal times for collection are during growth phases, with a humid environment aiding root establishment. Avoid damage to emerging roots to ensure successful transfer to permanent locations.

Repotting: Repot sweetgum every 2-3 years to ensure healthy growth and provide fresh soil, which aids in nutrient uptake and root development.

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Images of Sweetgum

Attributes of Sweetgum

Distribution of Sweetgum

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Sweetgum

Care Guide for Sweetgum

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