7/13/2023 0 Comments Sweet gum tree![]() The American Sweet Gum tree does not do well when planted in locations where roots are limited in their development. In the wild, American Sweet Gum grows in bottomland areas with rich, moist soil but can tolerate various soil conditions. Spring planting is recommended as fall-planted sweetgum can occasionally suffer from dieback. The American Sweet Gum gum balls mature to dark brown and usually remain on the tree through the winter, but can create clean-up problems and potential slip hazards during the general period of December through April as the clusters fall to the ground. The American Sweet Gum female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls, hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5" diameter. The American Sweet Gum non-showy, monoecious, yellow-green flowers appear in spherical clusters in April-May. The American Sweet Gum branches and branchlets may have distinctive corky ridges. The fall color of the American Sweet Gum can be incredible with layers of a brilliant mixture of yellows, oranges, purples, and reds. The American Sweet Gum leaves are fragrant when they are bruised or crushed. Each of the American Sweet Gum leaves is 5-7 pointed and have star-shaped lobes. The American Sweet Gum Glossy has long-stalked, deep green leaves (4-7" across) that have toothed margins. The American Sweet Gum has the habit of a pyramidal tree in its youth, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as it matures. This tree species require little pruning as it has a natural central leader form with age, it may develop over extended lateral branches. The American Sweet Gum typically grows to 60-80' (less frequently to 120') tall with a straight trunk. In cultivation, this tree can be found in warm temperate and subtropical climates around the world beyond its previously described native ranges. These 15 species are widespread and are commonly found in China, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Turkey, Rhodes(Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece), North America and Mexico, and down to Honduras. The genus Liquidambar has 15 commonly known species worldwide. The American Sweet Gum belongs to the plant family, commonly known as Altingiaceae. The common name of Sweet Gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds of the tree. Specific epithet styraciflua means flowing storax. The meaning of amber has two parts that produce a fragrant resin. ![]() This tree's Genus name Liquidambar comes from the Latin words liquidus meaning liquid and ambar. The United States Department of Agriculture states that the American Sweet Gum is native to Ohio's southern portions along the Ohio River. It is also native from the Sierra Madre of Mexico into Central America's cloud forests to Nicaragua. ![]() The American Sweet Gum is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico, and Central America. This month Tree-Of-The-Month is commonly known as the American Sweet Gum or the Satinwood, Redgum, Sapgum, Starleaf-Gum, or Bilsted, the Latin name of Liquidambar styraciflua. Stream Farm supplies Sweet Gum trees which are grown as bare root seedlings and transplants and sold both wholesale and retail with no minimum order.Īdditional information on Nyssa sylvatica can be found on the link: USDA / NRCS PLANTS Database.The Ohio Chapter ISA continued efforts is to advance responsible tree care practices through research, technology, and education while promoting the benefits of trees. Wildlife: Seeds are eaten by many types of birds. The leaves give off a camphor odor when crushed. The fruit of the Sweetgum tree looks like a small spiny ball with a stem they are also referred to as “gumballs.” ![]() The tree’s gum resin resembles turpentine. Sweetgum is used principally for lumber, veneer, plywood, slack cooperage, railroad ties, fuel, and pulpwood. Notes: Landscape uses are lawn tree or shade tree for larger residences, for fall color, street tree where ample room is provided, parks and campuses. It is recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits. Soil / Climate: From Connecticut and southern Illinois, to central Florida and northeastern Mexico.The species grows best in moist, acidic loam or clay soil, and tolerates poor drainage. Mature Height: 50-150 ft. Trees may live to 400 years. Other common names: redgum, American sweetgum, sapgum, bilsted
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