sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Categories |
Images |
|---|---|
| Form:
This is a large tree ranging from 80 – 120 ft. and a dbh of 3 – 4 ft. It develops a prymidal crown. |
|
|
Leaves: [if 789 not_equals=””] Shape: 5-7 lobed; orbicular[/if 100] Margin: finely serrate Texture: pubescent on axils of the veins Variation: palmate |
|
| Bark:
The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed with rounded ridges. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Distinguishing Characteristics:
It’s pith is star-shaped. Look for the corky wings on twigs, gumball fruits, and distinct leaf shape. |
|
| Range:
Connecticut south to Florida west to Missouri |
|
| Silvics:
intolerant; moist bottom lands; mesic uplands |
|
| 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. |
