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Public Plant Profile

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Category: Deciduous Tree • Sweetgum

Discover the Sweetgum tree, known for its star-shaped leaves and spiky fruits, perfect for shade and ornamental use.

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Mature Height: 60-75 feet

Mature Width: 40-50 feet

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 5-9

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The American sweetgum is a beautiful deciduous tree known for its star-shaped leaves and unique spiky fruits. It thrives in warm temperate regions and is a popular choice for ornamental planting in temperate climates. This tree adds value to forests in the southeastern U.S. and is appreciated for its striking appearance.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate moisture. Prefers well-drained, fertile soils.

Soil Preferences

Requires good drainage and can tolerate a range of soil pH. Adaptable to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Star-shaped leavesspiky fruits

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for large spaces due to its size. Provides excellent shade and seasonal interest.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Sweetgum may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sweetgum a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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