Oregon Urban Tree Catalog

Liquidambar styraciflua AMERICAN SWEETGUM DECIDUOUS BROADLEAF

FULL SUN

NON-NATIVE

HIGH DROUGHT TOLERANCE

H: 60FT W: 40FT

American sweetgum is a long-lived tree native to the Southeastern United States. It has a medium to fast growth rate typically adding 1 to 3 feet per year. The star-shaped leaves emerge fresh green in spring and in the fall shift through shades of yellow, orange, red, and deep purple. The tree’s round, spiky seed balls persist through winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife. True to its name, sweetgum produces a fragrant resin that seeps from the bark. Historically, this “gum” was used for chewing, perfumes, medicines, and even adhesives, adding cultural significance to its ornamental value.

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