Sweetgum trees are native to the eastern half of the United States. They are a lovely medium to large sized tree with lots of characteristics that make them a valuable asset to any landscape. They also have one significant drawback. This is probably the main reason we occasionally get calls to remove them. When I talked to Vic about Sweetgum trees, he noted that even though they are native to the area, they are not very common.
Growth Patterns
Younger trees grow with a relatively straight trunk and conical shaped crown. The first tree in the photo to the right is still conical. As they mature, the crown loses its distinctive shape and takes on a more spreading growth pattern. The tree in the top photo lost its conical shape and the branches are spreading. Liquidambar styraciflua L. grows from 75 to 100 ft. tall depending on the growing conditions with trunks 3-5 feet in diameter. The branches are long and strong. Root systems depend on the location and soil conditions. Sweetgum trees develop either a taproot or broad shallow spreading root system, and as a result, can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Liquidambar styraciflua L. in Reston, VA
Star Shaped Leaves
I think the leaves are the “star” of this tree. They are star shaped with 5-7 points. Technically the leaves are simple and palmately lobed. Simple means attached to the twig by the leaf stem. Palmately lobed means there is a palm with lobes extending like fingers. In the fall, regardless of the conditions, they turn brilliant oranges, reds, yellows, and purple. They are quite spectacular in the fall, although they are rarely recognized.
Flowers and Fruit
Sweetgum trees flower from March to May. Trees have both male and female flowers. Male flowers are above a leaf cluster, and female flowers, ultimately the fruit, are below. Pollinated female flowers turn into the fruit which is the characteristic gum balls. These woody, horny fruits are usually about 1 inch in diameter and hang on long stems below the leaves. They are green until they mature and turn brown. When the gum balls fall, they create quite a mess.
