University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Trees for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector
Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
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Sweet Gum leaves
Size:

Small

Medium
Size: large
Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade not required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Scale insect and leaf spots. This tree may suffer winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils.
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 8 
[Find Your Zone]
Mature Height: 60-75 Feet
Features: Unusual star-shaped leaves that change from green to a mix of yellow, red and purple in autumn.
Culture: Full sun; moist, well drained soil; prefers acid soil; tolerates wet sites.
Cultivars:

These cultivars are considered to be more cold hardy:

  • 'Cherokee'-relatively few fruit, good fall color.
  • Gold Dust:R: -green and gold variegated leaves.
  • 'Moraine' -good fall color and good habit (upright-oval).
Mature Form: Oval to rounded
Native To: United States
Soil Conditions:
Dry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Massing
Patio
Screen
Use for: Shade.Shade
Use for: Specimen.Specimen
Street
Wind Break
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Purple
Red
Yellow
 
Additional Notes: The round, woody fruits are a nuisance.