Gardening Trees, Shrubs & Vines Trees Sweetgum Tree By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 22, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email The sweet gum tree creates fireworks in the garden, with star-shape leaves that change to fiery hues in fall. The handsome foliage is glossy green spring through summer. This U.S. native possesses a narrow habit that opens up and rounds with age. A fragrant sap bleeds from the tree when the bark is wounded. Spiny seed balls form on the tree and persist through the winter months. Sweet gum thrives in moist, acidic soil with lots of organic matter. Sweetgum Overview Description The sweet gum tree creates fireworks in the garden, with star-shape leaves that change to fiery hues in fall. The handsome foliage is glossy green spring through summer. This U.S. native possesses a narrow habit that opens up and rounds with age. A fragrant sap bleeds from the tree when the bark is wounded. Spiny seed balls form on the tree and persist through the winter months. Sweet gum thrives in moist, acidic soil with lots of organic matter. Genus Name Liquidambar styraciflua Common Name Sweetgum Plant Type Tree Light Sun Height 20 to 20 feet Width 40 to 50 feet Season Features Colorful Fall Foliage, Winter Interest Special Features Fragrance Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Leaf Cuttings, Seed Problem Solvers Slope/Erosion Control Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit