Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) Unity Grown

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as sweet gum, is a medium to large-sized tree native to wet lowland areas across much of the eastern half of the United States. Due to its large seed pods, often called gum balls, sweet gum can easily transported by bodies of water and will reseed readily. Growing to 60-100' tall and 40-50' wide in the wild, Liquidambar styraciflua can often be found in much smaller sizes to the speed at which it can reseed an area. While sweet gum makes for an attractive and truly impressive shade tree, with pretty, star-shaped leaves, its fruits can become a nuisance for homeowners. Sweet gum tolerates a variety of soil types and moisture levels, and prefers full sun or partial shade.

Blooming from late spring to early summer, Liquidambar styraciflua produces insignificant yellow-green flowers that eventually turn to the gumballs the tree is known for. In the autumn, sweet gum leaves turn to gorgeous shades of dark red, orange, and yellow, adding a ton of autumnal appeal. Trees are also an important host plant for a number of caterpillar species, including the Hickory Horndevil (Citheronia regalis); beyond caterpillars, seeds are also an important food source for finches, and insects use seed pods and leaf litter for overwintering.