Sweetgum

Sweetgum     (Redgum)     Liquidambar styraciflua L.

Mature Size: 60 to 90 feet in height, 2 to 3 feet in diameter

Form: Straight trunk and pyramid-shaped crown, becoming more spreading with age.  

Where to Find Them: Rich river bottoms, swamp edges and drier uplands.

Leaves: Alternate, simple, 4 to 6 inches long and wide, star-shaped, with 5 (occasionally 7) pointed lobes and finely saw-toothed edges; fragrant when crushed; fall color red, purple, orange and gold, often on the same tree

Fruit and Seeds: 1- to 11⁄2-inch prickly ball, composed of many beak-shaped capsules, green at first but becoming brown and woody; containing small seeds; “gumballs” often hang on the tree through the winter.

Wildlife use:  Sweetgum are a pioneer species that can quickly form dense stands in unmanaged fields.  Despite its widespread abundance, it sees relatively little use by wildlife, the exceptions being small  birds like goldfinch, purple finch, and chickadees.  Seeds are also eaten by chipmunks and squirrels.

Bark:  Grayish-brown, roughened by corky scales, later becoming deeply furrowed.