Liquidambar styraciflua

Common Name
Sweetgum
Plant Form
Large Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
100.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain

Photographer: Ana Ka'ahanui
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Joe Steiner
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Tidal and non-tidal swamp forests, depression ponds and swamps, wet flatwoods, floodplain forests, mesic and dry-mesic upland forests, and old fields; most abundant in and characteristic of disturbed and early-successional vegetation. 

Wildlife value: Supports Imperial Moth and Hickory Horndevil (Citheronia regalis) larvae. Songbirds, like the American goldfinch eat the seeds during the winter and birds probe inside fruits in winter for invertebrates. Beavers, mice and rabbits eat the bark.

Notes: One of the most durable and best performing native trees. Stunning fall color. Needs a large area for root development. The prickly gumballs might be unwelcome on a sidewalk or where people run around barefoot. 'Rotundiloba' variety does not produce gumballs.

Flower Color
Cream/White
Green
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Fall Color
Burgandy/Red
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Purple
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
6 3 Gallon View My Wishlist