M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 3 • A R B O R D AY. O R G
American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua NATIVE TO THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES, the American sweetgum has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country. Its standout quality is its bright green, glossy leaves, which provide beautiful color each autumn. For best results, this tree should be planted in a large, open area with minimal pollution.
LEAVES: Bright green, glossy, and star-shaped, turning red, purple, or gold in the fall. FRUIT: Brown, woody, bur-
like globes roughly 1" to 1½" in diameter.
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BARK: Grayish-brown with deep, narrow furrows. FORM: Medium to large, reaching 60' to 70' tall at maturity with a 45' spread. Pyramid-shaped while young, becoming rounded with age. WILDLIFE VALUE: The seeds of
the American sweetgum are enjoyed by a wide range of birds and small animals, including squirrels and wild turkeys.
GROWTH RATE: Medium, with height increases of 12" to 18" per year. PLANTING: Requires full sun and a large space with no overhead utility lines. Tolerates most soil types, but should not be planted on polluted sites. Suitable for hardiness zones 5 to 9.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/americansweetgum or scan this QR code.
A SWEEPING EFFORT TO RESTORE LONGLEAF FORESTS
An official publication of
We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!
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