Sweetgum is a lovely native shade tree with deep green, star-shaped leaves and a pyramidal habit. It has a medium to fast growth rate averaging 2-3' in moist soil or 1-2' in dry soil per year. Its preferences are for moist, deep and fertile soil in full sun with a slightly acidic pH, though it is adaptable to less than ideal conditions. This tree is monoecious with both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. The flowers are not showy and are cross-pollinated by the wind.
Spherical spiky seed capsules hang from the tree from summer through winter, falling off throughout the fall and winter season. The long-lasting “gumballs” can be a bit of a litter problem if the tree is planted in a prominent place near the house, driveway or street and are not raked up. However, many songbirds, squirrels and chipmunks will eat the seeds during the lean winter months. Sweetgums are also host to 35 species* of Lepidoptera, including the caterpillars of the majestic Luna Moth. Come fall, these trees will consistently turn all of the fiery shades of autumn, making it one of the prettiest shade trees around.
Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
*Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
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Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) - 3 gal
Sweetgum
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.