SWEETGUM - LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA

Common Name: Sweetgum

Scientific Name: 
Family: Altingiaceae
Genus: Liquidambar
Species: styraciflua

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9 
Height: 60 to 75 ft
Width: 40 to 75 ft

Common Characteristics:

  • Known for 5 lobed star-shaped leaves that turn red, yellow, and purple in the fall
  • Spiky green gumball sized fruits composed of 40 - 60 capsules
  • Fruit is eaten by squirrels and birds
  • The bark has deep ridges and twigs are covered with rusty hairs when young