Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) appreciation thread

last year

last modified: last year

We all know the spike ball weapons these drop but I had a spot in front where I don't roll around in the grass often open up and planted one. The deer did their thing attacking it but the little bugger has done quite well.

In a yard with Fraxinus Americana (White ash), Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum), Quercus coccinea and alba (White and Scarlett oak) and Cornus Florida (native dogwood) this might end up being the show stopper in fall.

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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

last year

last modified: last year

They're not hugely common here but this one is in a local park.

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Comments (6)

bengz6westmd
last year
Sweetgums have some of the most reliable and beautiful colors.
indianagardengirl
last year
Very nice, Toro!
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arbordave (SE MI)
last year
Outstanding color on floral's tree above, I wonder if it's a named selection?

This is 'Lane Roberts' (a selection from the UK), photo from a few years ago (11/5/21)

Saw this one just several days ago (10/26/24) at a local park

Moraine (known for its hardiness) has an interesting blend of colors (10/23/24)
KR Nuttle
last year
In addition to being beautiful in the fall, the green leaves smell good. When you crush them between your fingers they smell sort of sweet.

Other that the gum balls I think they make a great addition to the landscape around your house.

Gum balls can be used in various ways. The easiest is to press them into the ground. They no longer go for the feet, and most important they do not clean the underside of the mower deck when you hit them.

I have also used them on paths through our wooded areas. The also make good fill for low spots in your yard.
bengz6westmd
last year
last modified: last year
Just to add, tho sweetgum is thought of as a "southern" tree, I saw wild-growing ones in the roadside woods just east of Charleston, WV.