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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Liquidambar styraciflua
sweetgum
Altingiaceae
Eastern North America from Connecticut south to Florida and west to eastern Texas and Missouri; also native to montane forests in Mexico and Central America
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height60–75 feet (18–23 m)
Width40–50 feet (12–15 m)
Maturity25 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
A large, pyramidal to broadly oval deciduous tree reaching 60–75 feet (18–23 m) tall and 40–50 feet (12–15 m) wide, native to eastern North America and grown for its spectacular fall color — leaves transform from glossy dark green to multi-colored combinations of yellow, orange, scarlet, burgundy, and purple, frequently all colors simultaneously on a single tree. Leaves star-shaped with 5–7 pointed lobes, 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) across. Bark develops prominent corky ridges and wings on branches with age. Spiny ball-shaped seed capsules 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) persist through winter. Fall color most intense in areas with warm late summer temperatures followed by cool nights. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
Native Range
Liquidambar styraciflua is native to eastern North America from Connecticut south to Florida and west to eastern Texas and Missouri, growing in moist bottomlands, floodplains, and upland forests. Also native to montane forests in Mexico and Central America.Suggested Uses
Planted as a large specimen, shade tree, or street tree at 40–50 foot (12–15 m) spacing where space accommodates eventual size. One of the most reliably spectacular fall-color trees for Pacific Northwest gardens — the multi-color leaf display is unmatched among commonly grown large deciduous trees. Fruitless cultivars (Rotundiloba) eliminate gumball litter. Corky winged bark and persistent capsules provide winter interest.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 75'
Width/Spread40' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
orange
red
purple
burgundy
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Star-shaped with 5–7 sharply pointed lobes, 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) across; glossy dark green through summer; spectacular fall color in multi-color combinations of yellow, orange, scarlet, burgundy, and purple — frequently multiple colors simultaneously on a single treeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20–30 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Tolerates wet conditions better than many large trees. Space 40–50 feet (12–15 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment. Fall color is most intense where warm late summer temperatures are followed by cool fall nights — Pacific Northwest coastal sites may produce less vivid color than inland sites. Spiny gumballs drop through fall and winter — avoid planting over lawns, pathways, or play areas unless using fruitless cultivars such as Rotundiloba.Pruning
Requires minimal pruning. Maintain a strong central leader when young. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid heavy pruning once established. Young trees may need formative pruning to remove co-dominant leaders.Pruning Schedule
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early spring