How to Identify a Sweetgum Tree

The sweetgum is a very adaptable, fast-growing, deciduous tree with dark green, star-shaped foliage. It is grown throughout USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9, and it will perform equally well in wet or dry soil. Here are just a few distinguishing characteristics that can be used to positively identify this somewhat under-appreciated shade tree.  

Tree Habit/Form – Sweetgum trees grow fairly tall. Mature trees typically grow between 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet in width; however, it is possible for sweetgums to reach 120 feet in height. When young, trees have a very symmetrical pyramidal tree from. The trunk is straight, upright and undivided. In general, side branches are small. With age, sweetgums become increasingly rounded in form as branches expand in diameter and become more dominant.

Buds and Corky projections – Look to trees terminal buds. Sweetgum terminal buds will be shiny, sticky and somewhat bulbous. Sometimes , but not always, sweetgums will have raised corky growth on branches. Corky projections are most often associated with particularly fast-growing trees within the species.

Leaves – The glossy green star-shaped leaves of the sweetgum are somewhat maple tree-like. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, with 5 to 7 lobes. Leaves are approximately 4 to 8 inches in length. Leaves emit a distinct which hazel aroma when crushed. In the fall, sweetgums display vibrant color.

Fruit – Sweetgum have very distinctive spiky, spherical, brown fruit that is approximately 1 to 3 inches in diameter. Seeds within the fruit emerge through superficial openings. Sweetgum fruit first appears on the tree in a small, green form. As it matures, the fruit becomes hard, brown and woody. Sweetgums are best planted away from hard surfaces or parking lots, since the fruit can cause slip-and-falls.

References:

The Ohio State University: Liquidambar styraciflua    
"Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates"; Bijan Deghan; 1998
University of Connecticut Plant Database: Liquidambar styraciflua
Virginia Technical Institute: Sweetgum  
Characteristics of Sweet Gum