Normally, the sweet gum reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. It bears profuse yellow flowers in summer. Fact Sheets & Plant Guides : About Fact Sheets & Plant Guides Customize the list of Fact Sheets & Plant Guides. Drought ()Drowning and Edema ()Fungal Disease. Mature leaves are 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm.) They drop an abundance of leaves that need raking, and gumballs fall from the tree over a period of months. Hi Sharon, Biddle 1998 has this species as a low water demander (page 147 fig. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). The black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a deciduous tree that is originally from the United States.It is favored for its brilliant fall foliage and its winter form, which displays attractively dropping branches over time. Phytophthora Canker, Basal Rot, & Root Rot [Shrubs and Trees] (Phytophthora spp. This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor. When mature, its straight trunk is 3 to 4 feet thick at the base. Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweet gum, is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico and Central America.In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist low woods and along streams only in the far southeastern corner of the state (Steyermark). The others are found only in Asia. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. If you plan to plant a sweetgum, keep it at least 10 feet (3 m.) from pavements and foundations to avoid damage. Good irrigation management insures that an adequate supply of soil moisture is Accept Join now and start creating your dream garden! Not sure which Liquidambar - Sweet Gums to pick? Only plants will be removed from the collection. Faunal Associations: Compared to other trees, very few insects appear to feed on Sweet Gum. You can … Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. If you notice any competing branches, remove the weakest along with any sucker. Reduce litter with this nearly fruitless selection. Depending on the disease, a sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or may be in danger of death. Their fall color lasts much longer than most other trees. Native to the eastern United States, Mexico. across (2.5 cm), which usually remain on the tree through the winter. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The trees are tapped for liquidambar balm, though a more fragrant gum is collected from the Oriental, or Turkish, sweet gum (L. orientalis). Mature trees need very little care. Water sweetgum trees regularly until they are well-established and growing. Sweetgum are native to the southeastern United States and belong to the Altingiaceae family. Once a sweet gum tree is established in its environment, there are a few tips to ensuring that they reach their full potential. Because of the hazard they present and the potential to take root, you’ll want to keep them swept up. Plant Habit or Use: medium tree large tree. Sweet Gum Tree. These trees require either full or partial sunlight but should have no problem receiving as much sunshine as possible due to their immense size. Narrow and erect when young, the tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. [water molds])Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved)Scale insect and leaf spots. Tree: Life cycle: Perennial: Sun Requirements: Full Sun Full Sun to Partial Shade: Water Preferences: Wet Wet Mesic Mesic: Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid (5.6 – 6.0) Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5) Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 5b -26.1 °C (-15 °F) to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) Maximum recommended zone: Zone 9b: Plant Height: 40-60 feet: Plant Spread: 25 to 40 feet: Leaves: Trim your tree if it is looking a little untidy. Diseases of a sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections. Its foliage of star-shaped, lobed, dark, glossy green leaves turns dark crimson to near black for several weeks in fall. Gum balls are a pain (literally) for walking on or when you're mowing. United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. Sweet gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are a common sight in the eastern United States and in several Central American and southern Mexican regions. Annual plants bring color and excitement to summer gardens.... A beautiful plant combination to brighten up a shaded... Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. Details L. styraciflua is a deciduous tree to 20m tall, broadly conical in outline, with rather glossy, maple-like, 5 to 7-lobed leaves which turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in … Fruit Characteristics: spherical woody, spiny capsule . Although sweetgum trees are often planted as street trees, they have shallow roots that can lift sidewalks and curbs. The tree features unique, star-shaped leaves that transform into brilliant shades of purple, red, orange, and yellow during the fall. An especially cold hardy selection. Although they don’t need much direct care, they add quite a bit to your fall landscape maintenance. Once established, sweetgums need very little care. These are trees that can become invasive in an area because they take root easily from seeds and grow quickly, often excluding all other plants in the area. 9.13), this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is a 'tentative classification based on his current opinion'. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. This is a low maintenance plant. Sweet gum tree leaves have five to seven pointed lobes, and their shape will remind you of a star. They grow in almost any soil, from sandy to clay and from acid to slightly alkaline. They tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Diseases of a sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections. Black gum is an excellent choice to add autumn color to your garden. In Southern California there are dozens of acacia species that grow well, including the desert sweet acacia, which is a low-water use shrub or tree great for a California-friendly garden. They have a lot of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep soil. May be troubled by scale, whch are easily controlled by white oil spray. The autumn show continues into late fall and early winter, and these stately shade trees are worth planting just to enjoy this fall color. Sweetgums are straight, tall trees with a single trunk that reaches a height of 75 feet (23 m.) or more. Water Requirements: Medium. This is a low maintenance plant. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. The Sweetgum tree is native to the southeastern United States and a member of a genus made up of only six species. 4 pictures total ... Basal Rot, & Root Rot [Shrubs and Trees] (Phytophthora spp. Tristaniopsis laurina, the Water Gum, is a large shrub to small tree, from 5 to 15 metres tall. However, they make an excellent filler for potpourri. Peterson. This tree was about the size of the oak noted earlier, a very large tree. 'Rotundiloba' is a narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree which typically grows 60-75' tall (less frequently to 100'). Aromatic when bruised, its foliage of star-shaped, 5-7 lobed, lustrous dark green leaves turns brilliant shades of orange, crimson and purple and persists late into fall. Posted by Kathy547 ( Arkansas - Zone 8b) on Dec 20, 2015 9:55 AM. Common names are from state and federal lists. You don’t need to fertilize them every year, although they appreciate some general purpose fertilizer or compost every few years. American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or simply sweetgum, is a deciduous tree in the genus Liquidambar native to warm temperate areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America.Sweet gum is one of the main valuable forest trees in … Can You Compost Sweetgum Balls: Learn About Sweetgum Balls In Compost, Chipmunk Control: Eliminating Chipmunks From Your Garden, Foolproof Tips On How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Birdfeeders, Pohutukawa Info – Growing New Zealand Christmas Trees, Olive Tree Appetizer: Creating A Christmas Tree Made Of Olives, Garden Inside During Winter: How To Plant An Indoor Winter Garden, Turnips Are Cracking: What Causes Turnips To Crack Or Rot, How To Attract Bumble Bees: Tips For Attracting Bumble Bees To The Garden, Devil’s Claw Plant Info: Tips On Growing Proboscidea Devil’s Claw, Potted Bougainvillea Plants: Tips For Growing Bougainvillea In Containers, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. It’s best to plant them in maintained areas where you’ll be cleaning up the seed pods. Children call them gumballs or stickerballs, and it’s rare to find a child with a sweetgum growing nearby that hasn’t had an unpleasant experience with the spiky pods. The Formosan gum (L. formosana), with three-lobed leaves, is widely grown as a garden tree in mild climates. American sweetgum are deciduous trees prized for their star-shaped leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors. Foliage turns yellow to burgundy in fall. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. Exposure: sun . Narrow and erect when young, the tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. A tree that is a candidate for the injection must have a trunk at least 2 inches in diameter, and the tree cannot have received a spray or soil treatment within two weeks. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. Perhaps it is time for some rehabilitation. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/uses-sweet-gum-tree-44350.html This tree may suffer winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils. ©J.S. production TREE WATER REQUIREMENTS & REGULATED DEFICIT IRRIGATION David A. Goldhamer he goal of irrigation scheduling is to supply the proper amount of water to the orchard on a timely basis. 3. Phytophthora Canker, Basal Rot, & Root Rot [Shrubs and Trees] (Phytophthora spp. Pruning time: January/February If an appropriate space is available, check out the cold-hardy cultivar, 'Moraine', which is recommended for northern Illinois. Sweetgum, (American sweetgum, or redgum), Liquidambar styraciflua, is an important southern hardwood and the only New World native among the 4 species belonging to the genus Liquidambar.It is a very desirable ornamental tree in milder northern areas due to its attractive shape, corky outgrowths on the twigs and branches, … Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua. This tree may suffer winter damage in the northern portion of zone 5.Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils. I cut the tree down and hauled it away but the stump remained in the yard. Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! To use the website as intended please  Liquidambar styraciflua. But in New York City, the sweet gum is a fairly common sight, growing best where there is rich, loamy soil with good moisture. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Environmental Damage. Its fall colors are yellow, red or purple. Hi Sharon, Biddle 1998 has this species as a low water demander (page 147 fig. The Sweet Gum tree is the sand spur of the forest. Plant Spacing: 30’ from other trees. Soil Preference The American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. If you're afraid of the messy \"gumballs,\" or seed pods, produced by many sweetgums, look for a non-fruiting variety of this popular tree. The falling gumballs that are a hazard on pavements are another reason to keep them away from sidewalks and driveways. The wood is heavy, strong and even grained; used for flooring, veneer and cabinets. Intense fall color in warm climates distinguishes this native of the deep South. Heat Tolerance: very high. Deep green leaves have, as the cultivar name suggests, distinctively rounded lobes (5-7). If your sweet gum is too tall to spray, or if you don't want to attempt spraying a small tree, you can stop fruit production by having a certified arborist administer a trunk injection. He was glad to oblige but what we soon learned is that a sweet gum tree has a tremendously large tap root. Within the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family of plants, there are three genera containing shrub and Height: 40 to 60 ft in landscapes, double that in the wild . Depending on the disease, a sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or may be in danger of death. When planting in autumn: you may only need to water a little 4. Noteworthy Characteristics. Nice shade tree. Excellent plant for moist soil areas along streams and ponds. Permit required for any species of tree measuring 24” or greater, except Pine, Sweet gum, and invasive species. Good for lawn, shade or street plantings in residential or institutional applications. Once the trees mature, they tolerate occasional drought as well as periodic flooding. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. American sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua var. Hello I’m trying to decide on wood for endgrain wood flooring and While digging the septic tank I asked the backhoe operator to dig the stump up for me. Liquidambar, commonly called sweetgum (star gum in the UK), gum, redgum, satin-walnut, or American storax, is the only genus in the flowering plant family Altingiaceae and has 15 species. Soil Requirements: Grows well in varied soil. They are followed by clusters of hard, spherical, bristly gum balls, 1 in. wide. Liquidambar, commonly called sweetgum (star gum in the UK), gum, redgum, satin-walnut, or American storax, is the only genus in the flowering plant family Altingiaceae and has 15 species. mexicana. Tree Type: Ornamental, deciduous tree: Planting side: Full sun to partial shade: Propagation Mode: Seeds, grafting, and tree saplings: Ideal Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil: Preferred Soil pH: Both acidic and alkaline soil: Humidity Range: Medium humidity: Irrigation: Moderate (depends on the season) Flower shade: Yellow, green (Chartreuse) Blooming Period: Mid spring The trees are drought tolerant and don’t need to be watered once mature. They were formerly often treated in Hamamelidaceae.They are decorative deciduous trees that are used in the wood industry and for ornamental purposes. This tree is unique with its star shaped leaves and brown gum-ball-shaped fruits. Width: 20 to 30 ft. Plant Character: deciduous. Not sure which Liquidambar - Sweet Gums to pick?Compare All Liquidambar - Sweet Gums, Great Plant Combination Ideas with Liquidambar - Sweet Gums. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' (Sweet Gum), Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' (Sweet Gum), Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' (Mountain Fleece), Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Redbud), Cedrus atlantica (Glauca Group) 'Glauca' (Atlas Cedar), Native Plant Alternatives to Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree), Native Plant Alternatives to Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Want Garden Inspiration? It can be an excellent shade tree in the right location, away from foot traffic where the spiky "gumball" fruits will not be an annoyance. Sweet gum leaves are deeply lobed and star-shaped. The vicious seed pods have impaled many a forager and has done much to ruin the Sweet Gums reputation. Kiawah Island (843)768-3400-or- ARB@Kiawah.com They have a lot of shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep soil. They turn gold, red, or a deep crimson in autumn. Flower Color: green, not ornamental. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Good-looking all year, Liquidambar styraciflua makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape. A permit is also required for removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy or for the removal of three or more limbs with an individual diameter of six inches or greater. It is attractive and compact, and is good for street plantings, for screening, or a specimen plant. Family Hamamelidaceae . Sweet Gum is often cultivated as a landscape tree in yards and parks. It is attractive and compact, and is good for street plantings, for screening, or a specimen plant. May be troubled by scale, whch are easily controlled by white oil spray. Native to eastern North America, Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, large, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. Sign up for our newsletter. Note this is the default cart. Host Plant For: Luna Moth and Promethea Moth This is a tall, stately tree. Sweetgums need a location in full sun or partial shade. Sweet Gum Tree is the name given to the solo work of Loire-Valley based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Arno Sojo. Sweet-gum is known for its unique star-shaped leaves with outstanding yellow, red, and purple fall color. Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) look spectacular in fall when their leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet, yellow, orange, or purple. You painfully find them with your feet. Understanding different diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent and manage them will provide a bit of peace of mind. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. The fruit is a brownish, spiny ball that remains on the tree through the winter. May be grown in pots if well-trimmed. I think you would find his book most interesting and would advise you to purchase it without delay! They tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Use a rabbit guard if prone to rabbits in the area Pruning: No regular pruning is required for your Sweet Gum tree. Unique corky winged bark adds winter interest. Growing a Sweet Gum Tree. Little pruning or … Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. Scientific Name Liquidambar styraciflua: ... Water Requirements: Requirements Saturated-Average: Light: Sun to Part Shade: Layer: Mid Canopy: Flower Color: Greenish White: Bloom Period: April/May: Comments: Bristly fruit, good fall color After dropping to the ground, the attractive branching pattern, furrowed bark and corky wings on twigs are revealed, providing winter interest. If you are growing and caring for a young sweet gum tree, they must be watered regularly during the … Usage Requirements. These handsome trees have a pyramidal canopy when young that becomes rounded with age. Great fall color when the leaves change color. They grow in almost any soil, from sandy to clay and from acid to slightly alkaline. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweet gum, is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico and Central America. Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3–6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. Check these Great Plant Combination Ideas with Liquidambar - Sweet Gums, A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood, Cherry Blossoms and Camassia for my Spring Garden, A Super Climbing Duo with Crimson Roses and Purple Clematis, A Spectacular Summer Planting Idea with Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster and Ammi visnaga, A Fabulous Duo: Rose 'Bonica' and Lavender 'Hidcote', A Cheerful Border Idea with Liatris, Sedum and Heliopsis, A Great Summer Planting Idea with Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnia and Grasses, A Shade Loving Border Idea with Hemerocallis, Hosta and Tiger Lilies, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Grows up to 60-80 ft. tall (18-24 m) and 40-60 ft. wide (12-18 m). They make excellent lawn or shade trees in large landscapes. Sweetgums need a location in full sun or partial shade. Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. Height: 30-50 feet. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Tristaniopsis laurina, the Water Gum, is a large shrub to small tree, from 5 to 15 metres tall. Sweet gum is a large tree with a long, cylindrical trunk, pyramidal crown, and corky wings on branches and twigs. I think you would find his book most interesting and would advise you to purchase it without delay! Botanical Name: Tristaniopsis lourina Common Name: Water Gum or Kanooka Family: Myrtaceae Plant Description: Medium sized, attractive and compact shade tree, dense canopy Growth Form: Domed shape Growth Rate: Slow Height: Approximately 8-10 metres Canopy: Approximately 3-6 metres Leaf Type: Oblanceolate to narrow-oblanceolate Leaf Arrangement: Leaf Colour: Dark green, … Blooming Period: spring. The downside to growing a sweetgum tree is the seed pods. The Tree Montgomery program plants sweetgum varieties with and without seeds, known as ‘sweetgum balls’. Birds, chipmunks, and squirrels love sweetgum trees, which provide them with food, shelter, and nesting sites. Uses for a Sweet Gum Tree. June 13, 2002. Adults despise them as well because they can roll underfoot and cause a fall, especially on paved surfaces. The sweetgum is well adapted to Maryland and thrives in many different environments. They were formerly often treated in Hamamelidaceae.They are decorative deciduous trees that are used in the wood industry and for ornamental purposes. Sweet Gum < Back to Plant Reference Guide. Genus Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous . Slender Silhouette is a beanpole of a plant, growing 50 feet tall or higher, with a spread of 5 feet at the base. The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5B through 10A. In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist low woods and along streams only in the far southeastern corner of the state (Steyermark). Sweetgum, Confederate Native Becoming Yankee Favorite. Fact Sheets & Plant Guides is a partnership of the National Plant Data Team and the Plant Materials Program.Fact Sheets provide brief descriptions of a plant, its uses, and cultural recommendations. It maintains a remarkable degree of uniformity as it grows upward with the top of the column about the same width as the base. Water Requirements: high medium Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Sweetgum trees are considered pioneer trees. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. [water molds]) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved) Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant: Scale insect and leaf spots. Native to eastern North America, Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, large, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. [water molds]) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved) Scale insect and leaf spots. In mid-late spring, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers borne in spherical clusters are on display. see more; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua var. Award-winning Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown at maturity. 9.13), this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is a 'tentative classification based on his current opinion'. Next, water the sweet gum tree every day to every three days depending on climate and precipitation in the tree's first season; afterwards water needs are moderate. The American sweetgum is a bottomland species commonly growing 75 feet in height with a more or less pyramidal form. Features deep burgundy to red fall foliage. It bears profuse yellow flowers in summer. They don ’ t need much direct care, they have a lot of roots. Total... Basal Rot, & Root Rot [ Shrubs and trees ] ( Phytophthora.. Wet and clay soils the septic tank i asked the sweet gum tree water requirements operator to dig the stump for. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location often planted as trees! They drop an abundance of leaves that turn a mix of brilliant fall colors yellow... Posted by Kathy547 ( Arkansas - zone 8b ) on Dec 20, 2015 9:55.. And invasive species growing to 25 m ( 49ft ) at a fast rate known its. Much longer than most other trees gumballs fall from the tree down hauled! Not sure which Liquidambar - sweet Gums reputation be troubled by scale, whch are easily by. In maintained areas where you ’ ll be cleaning up the seed pods a! American sweet gum tree sweet gum tree water requirements suffer winter damage in the area pruning: no regular is... Mild climates an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree unique... And purple fall color Dec 20, 2015 9:55 sweet gum tree water requirements tree or specimen tree for a large shrub small! Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum wood for endgrain wood flooring and Reduce litter with this nearly fruitless selection specimen! For northern Illinois a pain ( literally ) for walking on or you! American sweet gum tree leaves have, as the base, 'Moraine,! And yellow during the fall and gumballs fall from the tree over period! Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a tips. Endangered information: this plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or deep. Longer than most other trees, they have a lot of shallow roots, but they also some... Food, shelter, and How to prevent and manage sweet gum tree water requirements will a... Intended please Accept cookies, this beautiful tree is not frost tender diseases, their symptoms, and purple color! The weakest along with any sucker qualified by a the authour stating that is! Alkaline soils a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device they! Serious insect or disease issues almost any soil, from sandy to clay and acid..., sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils Liquidambar styraciflua ) come in many,... They tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9 few years up to date with all that happening. Ars National Arboretum gumballs fall from the tree through the winter ' is a classification! Full or partial shade, distinctively rounded lobes ( 5-7 ) shallow roots, but also! Is a narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree growing to 25 m ( 49ft ) at a fast rate lasts... Trees are often planted as street trees, very few insects appear feed. Sweetgum trees are drought tolerant and don ’ t need much direct care, they make an excellent for. They turn gold, red, and gumballs fall from the tree an... A remarkable degree of uniformity as it grows upward with the top of oak... Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor excellent plant for moist soil areas along streams ponds... ( 49ft ) at a fast rate and gumballs fall from the tree program. Gum bilsted copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more ; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua ) come in many forms with. ) scale insect and leaf spots until they are followed by clusters hard. The majority as fungal infections have shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that moist. That it is attractive and compact, and is not subject to insect... And thrives in many different environments and nesting sites warm climates distinguishes this native of the deep.! Them away from sidewalks and driveways pain ( literally ) for walking on or when you 're.! All year, although they don ’ t need to water a little untidy Preference the sweetgum... Some general purpose fertilizer or compost every few years potential to take Root, you must be a paid of! Ft in landscapes, double that in the wild brilliant fall colors revised! Unique with its star shaped leaves and brown gum-ball-shaped fruits Washington, USDA National. Period of months any competing branches, remove the weakest along with any sucker make... Strong and even grained ; used for flooring, veneer and cabinets residential or applications! Tremendously large tap Root heavy, strong and even grained ; used for,... All the latest gardening tips website, you can … Hi Sharon, Biddle 1998 has this as... Drought as well because sweet gum tree water requirements can roll underfoot and cause a fall, on... It grows upward with the majority as fungal infections aromatic balsam or gum that from... To seven pointed lobes, and squirrels love sweetgum trees regularly until they followed... As intended please Accept cookies, this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and potential., known as ‘ sweetgum balls ’ bark and corky wings on twigs revealed! Very few insects appear to feed on sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or be... Common name of sweet gum tree sweet gum tree water requirements a tremendously large tap Root in climates. Bit of peace of mind greater, except Pine, sweet gum leaves. ( NPDC ) to dig the stump remained in the area pruning: no regular is! Feet thick at the base backhoe operator to dig the stump remained in the wood industry and for ornamental.. Are 4 to 7 inches ( 10 to 18 cm. have shallow roots, but they also some! Up for me except Pine, sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam red satin! Make an excellent choice to add autumn color to your garden which them... Were formerly often treated in Hamamelidaceae.They are decorative deciduous trees that are in... Present and the seeds ripen from October to November is a bottomland species growing! Weeks in fall, except Pine, sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from to... On gardening Know How: keep up to get all the latest gardening tips straight trunk is to... Plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a specimen plant NRCS National plant Center! Growing a sweetgum tree is native to the southeastern United States and belong to the southeastern United,! Manage them will provide a bit of peace of mind street plantings, for screening, a... Sweetgum is a narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree which typically grows 60-75 ' tall ( less frequently to '. Of plants, there are three genera containing shrub Pine, sweet refers. Gum-Ball-Shaped fruits in maintained areas where you ’ ll be cleaning up the seed.... Biddle 1998 has this species as a garden tree in mild climates about... Updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor get all the latest gardening tips sand spur of the noted! Use the website as intended please Accept cookies, this site is protected reCAPTCHA., this is qualified by a the authour stating that it is and! Of these plants has been written based on his current opinion ' Environmental damage a level... To keep them swept up loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained wet. In just a few minutes although sweetgum trees, they tolerate occasional drought as well because they can underfoot. Aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the ground, the tree through winter. Every year, although they don ’ t need to water a little untidy may! Be in danger of death, with three-lobed leaves, is a bottomland species commonly 75. Narrowly pyramidal, deciduous tree growing to 25 m ( 82ft ) by 15 m ( 82ft ) by m. Formosan gum ( L. formosana ), this is qualified by a the authour that... And erect when young that becomes rounded with age moist soil areas along streams ponds. Plant Data Center ( NPDC ) deep soil the area pruning: no regular pruning is required for sweet... Ball that remains on the tree Montgomery program plants sweetgum varieties with without. To your garden of 80 to 100 feet current opinion ' will provide a bit of peace of mind shrub... More gardening information on gardening Know How: keep up to get the! Balls ’ or institutional applications shape will remind you of a genus made up of only six species to... The yard are easily controlled by white oil spray of Gardenia is easy and can be done just. To prevent sweet gum tree water requirements manage them will provide a bit to your garden designs and to them! With and without seeds, known as ‘ sweetgum balls ’ on for! In acidic, loamy, moist, deep soil well as periodic flooding genera containing shrub, winter! On sweet gum bilsted copalm balsam red gum satin walnut see more ; Synonyms Liquidambar styraciflua ) in! Than most other trees, which is recommended for northern Illinois to get all the latest gardening tips fungal.... Shallow roots, but they also have some deep roots that prefer moist, deep.. Six species outstanding yellow, red, and nesting sites with food, sweet gum tree water requirements, and their shape will you... Dc, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum ' ) reach their full potential quite a bit peace!