Home/Plants/Sweet Gum

Sweet Gum

Liquidambar styraciflua

tree

A large deciduous tree renowned for its brilliant scarlet to purple autumn color and distinctive star-shaped leaves. Native to southeastern North America, it grows 60–75 feet tall and develops a pyramidal shape when young. The tree is commonly planted as an ornamental and provides excellent shade, though mature specimens produce spiky seed balls.

Sweet Gum

Common Problems

Select the problem your Sweet Gum is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

warning
Yellow Leaveschevron_right
warning
Wiltingchevron_right
warning
Slow Growthchevron_right
warning
Dropping Leaveschevron_right
warning
Underwateringchevron_right

Care Guide

light_mode
Light
Full sun; requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color development and growth.
water_drop
Water
Prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly during establishment and drought periods. Once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant but performs better with adequate moisture.
compost
Soil
Thrives in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes dry, shallow soils and limestone.
science
Fertiliser
Young trees benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in spring. Established trees seldom need feeding in fertile soils.
thermometer
Temperature
Hardy to cold winters; suited to USDA zones 5–9. Tolerates temperatures down to –20°F (–29°C).
humidity_percentage
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity and performs best in areas with consistent moisture and adequate rainfall.

Toxicity

check_circleSafe for Catscheck_circleSafe for Dogscheck_circleSafe for Children

Sweet Gum is non-toxic to humans and pets; the seed balls are not toxic but can be a nuisance.

Common Diseases

coronavirusLeaf Spotchevron_rightcoronavirusPowdery Mildewchevron_rightcoronavirusCankerchevron_right

Common Pests

pest_controlAphidschevron_rightpest_controlScalechevron_rightpest_controlSawflychevron_rightpest_controlSpider Miteschevron_right

Seasonal Care

local_floristspring

Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

light_modesummer

Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

ecoautumn

Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

ac_unitwinter

Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.