Sweetgum is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, typically growing 60–75 feet tall. It is commonly found in bottomlands and moist soils.

The tree has distinctive star-shaped leaves with five pointed lobes (leaf divisions). Its bark becomes deeply furrowed with age.

In fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple. The tree produces spiky, ball-shaped fruits (seed capsules) that persist into winter. Sweetgum is valued for its striking fall color.

References

Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum, Redgum, Red Sweet Gum, Sweetgum, Sweet Gum, Sweetgum Tree) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/liquidambar-styraciflua/

Words by Ben Hansen.  Photos by Sarah Cote. 2026