August 1996
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 30 to 50 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Shape: Upright
Glossy, green, star-shaped leaves turn yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall. The fruit is spiny, brown and round.
Zone: 5 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5
Suggested uses for this plant include shade, street tree, and specimen plant.
Slow to establish its fleshy root
system.
Plant trees with balled and burlapped roots in
the spring.
Plant in sunny location with moist, slightly
acidic soil.
Not tolerant of pollution or areas where root
systems do not have ample room to spread.
Prune during winter, if needed.
Spiny, ball-shaped fruit creates litter which
can be a nuisance if tree is grown in high
traffic areas.
Iron chlorosis is a problem in soils with a
high
pH.
Scale insects are the most common insect pests.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA:
`Burgundy' has purplish leaves in fall.
`Festival' is narrow and upright and has yellow,
red, and orange fall color.
`Autumn Glow' has a consistent red to purple
fall color.
If the Sweetgum Tree is given room to
develop,
few trees will approach it in symmetrical
beauty.
An additional ornamental feature is the winged
or corky bark projections that develop along the
branches.
The sweet taste and gummy feel of the sap are
the origin of its common name.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-610 "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Shade Trees"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.