Sweet Gum
(Redgum, Starleaf Gum)
Liquidambar Styraciflua
Native to eastern USA, this tree grows large in the southern part of its range. Rarely planted in New Brunswick. Attractive, glossy, dark-green, star-shaped leaves in summer giving way to a fall show of yellow, red and purple. Spikey “gumball” fruits that can be painful if stood on with bare feet so plant away from high traffic areas. Seeds within the fruit provide important food for local wildlife. Male and female flowers occur on the same tree. Not a particularly cold hardy tree but is said to grow in milder parts of zone 5. There is one at Kingsbrae Gardens in St. Andrews. Should be planted where it is most protected from cold winter winds. Mulch the root zone well to protect from cold.
Additional information
| Foliage | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Locale | Native to North America |
| Height | Large (60-100ft) |
| Width | Wide |
| Form | Oval, Round |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Longevity | Long (over 100 years) |
| Hardiness Zones * | 5 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs) |
| Soil Preferences * | Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining |
| Soil Tolerances | Clay, Wet |
| Other Tolerances | Occasional Flooding, Road Salt |
| Ornamental Interest | Leaves (colour), Leaves (shape) |
| Wildlife Value | Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds) |
| Human Value | Carpentry (wood) |
| Seed Collection | Ordered Online |
| Planting Considerations | Intolerant of Alkaline Soil, Intolerant of Urban Pollution, Messy Seed Litter |
