Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua 
Sweetgum is native to the lowlands of the Bootheel. It is an important source of hardwood lumber and is used for furniture, veneer, cabinets and pulpwood. It has been planted extensively statewide as an ornamental, but the sweetgum balls are often a nuisance in yard plantings. Height 85 ft, spread 60 ft
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 85 ft
- Spread
- 60 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, star-shaped, 3" - 6" in diameter; edges finely toothed, bright green
- Flowers
- tiny, in greenish ball-like clusters
- Fruit
- long-stemmed prickly ball with many small winged seeds
- Bark
- smooth, light gray when young; older bark grayish-brown, furrowed
- Associated species
- pin oak, baldcypress, pecan, river birch, tulip tree
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
