American Sweetgum

American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as Sweetgum, is a striking, deciduous tree native to North America, celebrated for its vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive star-shaped leaves. Its symmetrical, pyramidal growth habit makes it an excellent specimen tree for gardens, parks, and streetscapes, providing both visual appeal and shade.

In autumn, the foliage transforms into a spectacular display of red, orange, and purple hues, creating seasonal interest. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by spiky fruit capsules that add texture to the landscape. Sweetgum is hardy once established, tolerating a variety of soils and urban conditions, while offering year-round structure even when not in leaf.

Versatile and ornamental, Liquidambar styraciflua works well as a standalone feature tree, part of a mixed border, or in avenue plantings. Its dramatic autumn color, elegant form, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to gardens.

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
• Common Name: America Sweetgum, Storax, Redgum
• Origin: North America
• Flower Colour: Small, inconspicuous
• Flowering Time: Spring
• Height: ±12–15 m
• Spread: ±6–8 m
• Growth Habit: Deciduous, pyramidal

Care & Planting Tips

• Planting Position: Full sun for best autumn color
• Water Requirements: Medium; tolerates occasional drought once established
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; adaptable to various soil types
• Hardiness: Hardy; tolerates light frost
• Uses: Feature tree, avenue plantings, parks, gardens, mixed borders, shade

Available Sizes

• 20 L