Tree Description
Sweetgums are large forest trees growing to 100 feet tall with a straight trunk about 3 feet in diameter. They have a conical shape when young; older trees have an upright, broad crown.
Range / Site Description
These trees can be found in East Texas on rich river bottom soils, in swamps subject to frequent flooding, and in dry uplands as far west as the San Jacinto River basin.
Leaf
The leaves are simple, alternate, and star-shaped; about 4” to 7” long and wide, with 5-7 pointed lobes and a finely-toothed leaf margin. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and they turn brilliant colors of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall.
Flower & Fruit
Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same tree and open with the leaves. The male flowers are small, greenish, and inconspicuous; the female flowers are small round heads on a long stalk.
The trees produce a composite fruit shaped like a spiked ball, about 1” to 1.5” in diameter, on a long stalk and made up of many capsules enclosing the seeds. The fruit hangs on the twigs late into winter.
Interesting Facts
In rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits.
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Liquidambar styraciflua |
| Secondary Names: | Red Gum |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 100 feet Trunk Diameter: 3 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, alternate |
| Leaf Size: | 4-7 inches long and wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Star-shaped with 5-7 pointed lobes |
| Leaf Margin: | Finely-toothed |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – American Sweetgum |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – American Sweetgum