Also known as Alligator-Wood · American Red Gum · American Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua, the American sweetgum, is a large deciduous tree known for its star-shaped leaves and vibrant autumn color. It produces spiky fruit balls.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun for best growth and fall color. Can tolerate partial shade, but may become more open and less vibrant.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply when topsoil is dry. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant.
Loam, Clay, Sand, Slightly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures typical for its native habitat. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Low
25% intensity
Established trees need little to no fertilizer. Fertilize young trees in spring if growth is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
American sweetgum prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain optimal health and color. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Prune American sweetgum to shape young trees, remove dead or damaged branches, and correct structural defects.
The best time for major pruning is during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) before new growth emerges. Minor thinning can be done in summer.
Propagation is typically done by seeds, which require stratification to germinate. Collect seed balls in fall and sow them in a cold frame or outdoors in fall.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in summer, though rooting can be challenging.
Repotting is generally not required for established American sweetgum trees planted in the ground.
For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in spring as needed, moving to a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil. This helps prevent root-bound conditions and promotes continued growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Where American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is found
Density
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5 known issues from plant disease data
Botryosphaeria canker on Sweetgum causes sunken bark cankers, branch wilt, and dieback as affected twigs and limbs gradually decline.
Bacterial leaf scorch on Sweetgum causes brown leaf edges with reddish-brown banding, then scattered branch flagging and dieback.
Phytophthora canker, basal rot, and root rot on Sweetgum causes root and trunk base decay, wilt, dieback, and sometimes bleeding bark.
Cercospora leaf spot on Sweetgum causes small reddish-brown leaf spots that build up in wet weather and reduce the tree’s clean look.
Foamy canker on Sweetgum causes white frothy ooze from trunk bark cracks or holes, often with bark staining and branch decline.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Altingiaceae |
| Genus | Liquidambar |
| Species | Liquidambar styraciflua |
Similar in genus Liquidambar
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
