Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils. Avoid sandy soils. Intolerant of alkaline soils. Intolerant of shade. Trees are not reliably winter hardy in the northern areas of USDA Zone 5.
Liquidambar styraciflua is commonly called sweet gum. It is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree that is native from Connecticut to Florida and Missouri further south to Texas, Mexico and Central America. It typically grows to 60-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a straight trunk. Habit is pyramidal in youth, but trees will gradually develop oval-rounded crowns as they mature. Glossy, long-stalked, deep green leaves (4-7” across) with toothed margins are fragrant when bruised. Branchlets may have distinctive corky ridges. Non-showy, monoecious, yellow-green flowers appear in spherical clusters in April-May. Female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5” diameter. ‘Hapdell’ is a fruitless cultivar that is commonly sold under the trade name of HAPPIDAZE. Absence of gum balls broadens the options for placing this tree in the landscape. It grows to the same size as species plants. Fall color is an attractive maroon.
No serious insect or disease problems. Webworms, caterpillars, borers and scale may cause problems in some areas. Leaf spots, wood rot and bleeding necrosis may occur. Iron chlorosis may occur in alkaline soils.
Excellent shade, lawn, park or street tree. Must be planted in large area with room to grow.
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