sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Family: Hamamelidaceae
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| Form:
This is a large tree ranging from 80 – 120 ft. and a dbh of 3 – 4 ft. It develops a prymidal crown. |
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Leaves: Shape: 5-7 lobed; orbicular Margin: finely serrate Texture: pubescent on axils of the veins Variation: palmate |
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| Bark:
The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed with rounded ridges. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
Twigs are often winged. They are shiny green to yellowish brown and stout. The terminal bud is large and covered with orange brown scales. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Flowers are monoecious, not showy, and green in color. The fruit looks like gum balls* with brown spiny spheres. Capsules contain 2 seeds released from each opening. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
It’s pith is star-shaped. Look for the corky wings on twigs, gumball fruits, and distinct leaf shape. |
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| Range:
Connecticut south to Florida west to Missouri |
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| Silvics:
intolerant; moist bottom lands; mesic uplands |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
It has a resinous sap (storax) used in paints and varnishes. Wood used in lumber, plywood, and veneer. Seedlings are browsed by birds and squirrels. |
