Sweetgum Trees: The Native Beauty That Divides Gardeners
If you’ve ever wondered about that tall tree with the star-shaped leaves and those spiky gumballs littering the ground, you’ve met the sweetgum (Liquidambar). This native American tree is like that friend everyone has an opinion about – some people absolutely love it, while others… well, let’s just say they have strong feelings about those seed pods.
Meet the Sweetgum
Sweetgum trees are true American natives, naturally growing across 29 states from the Northeast down to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. As perennial woody plants, these trees develop a single trunk and typically grow well beyond 13-16 feet in height, often reaching 60-75 feet at maturity with a spread of 40-50 feet.
You’ll find sweetgums thriving across Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Good, The Beautiful, and The… Spiky
Let’s start with why sweetgums earn their fans. These trees are absolute showstoppers in fall, with their distinctive five-pointed star leaves turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red, and deep purple – sometimes all on the same tree! In spring, they quietly support pollinators with small, inconspicuous flowers that provide early-season nectar for bees.
Sweetgums grow in a classic pyramidal shape when young, gradually developing a more rounded crown as they mature. They’re remarkably adaptable, tolerating various soil conditions and thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
But here’s where opinions diverge: those famous spiky seed balls. These brown, round fruits drop in fall and winter, and they’re… well, they’re everywhere. Some gardeners see them as nature’s sculptures, while others view them as natural caltrops designed to make barefoot walks a memorable experience.
Where Sweetgums Shine
Sweetgums work beautifully in:
- Large landscapes and spacious yards
- Parks and public spaces
- Natural or woodland gardens
- As specimen trees for fall color
- Mixed native tree plantings
These trees need room to spread – both above and below ground. Their extensive root systems and mature size make them poor choices for small yards or areas near structures, sidewalks, or power lines.
Growing Your Sweetgum Successfully
Sweetgums are relatively low-maintenance once established:
Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and plenty of room for growth. These trees prefer moist, well-drained soil but adapt to various soil types, including clay.
Planting: Plant in spring or fall, digging a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first year.
Care: Young trees benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Mature sweetgums are quite drought-tolerant. Minimal pruning is needed – just remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter.
Patience: Sweetgums are moderate growers, adding about 1-2 feet per year. Give them time to develop their classic shape and spectacular fall display.
The Decision Factor
Should you plant a sweetgum? It depends on your space and tolerance for cleanup. If you have a large property and appreciate native trees that support local wildlife while providing stunning seasonal interest, sweetgums are fantastic choices. Their benefits to pollinators and birds (who eat the seeds) make them valuable ecosystem players.
However, if you have limited space, prefer low-maintenance landscapes, or really dislike cleaning up fallen fruit, you might want to consider other native alternatives like red maple, tulip tree, or white oak.
Remember, choosing native plants like sweetgum supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for native wildlife. These trees have been part of American landscapes for thousands of years – those spiky seed balls and all!
