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Sweet-Gum

Tagged as: Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, not favored by deer, Native Trees, Black walnut toxicity tolerant, Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs

Botanical Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Common Name: Sweet-Gum

Updated 10/2012


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Liquidambar styraciflua at The Morton Arboretum Liquidambar styraciflua fall color Liquidambar styraciflua fruits
leaves fall color fruits

 

Height: 60-70'  Spread: 30-45'  Habit/Form: Pyramidal to rounded  Growth Rate: Medium to Fast   Zone: 5-9

Cultural Requirements: Sun; prefers deep, acidic soil; slow to establish

Ornamental Characteristics:  Star-shaped leaves; yellow, red and purple fall color; "gumball" fruits can be messy; 'Moraine' is more cold hardy and is recommended for northern Illinois.

Uses in the Landscape:  Shade tree in areas away from foot traffic where the fruits may be troublesome.

Aerial Salt Tolerance: Highest degree of salt tolerance. Use in the most exposed areas.

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