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Sweetgum

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March 11, 2016 - Author: <cregg@msu.edu>

Sweetgum shpae

Liquidambar styraciflua

  • Height: 70’ - 100’
  • Site characteristics: Moist, slightly acidic, and moderately coarse to fine soils; full sun
  • Zone: 5b - 9a
  • Wet/dry: Tolerates intermittent flooding, moderate drought
  • Native range: Southeastern United States
  • pH: 5.0 - 7.5
  • Other: Does not do well in locations where roots are limited in their development
  • Shape: Pyramidal when young, round with age
  • Other: Excellent fall color, fruit litter may be objectionable
  • Cultivars: ‘Moraine’ – Zone 4b, bright red fall color. ‘Rotundaloba’ - fruitless, not as hardy. ‘Worplesdon’ – orange-red fall color, broadly pyramidal to oval.
  • Additional: Northern seed source recommended, transplant in spring
  • Pests: Winter dieback is possible. Some problems with scale and bleeding necrosis, but relatively pest-free.

sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua
Photos: Jesse Saylor, MSU

Sweetgum at Independence Mall
Photo: Jesse Saylor, MSU

Liquidambar styraciflua range map
Map indicates species’ native range. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.

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