Slender Silhouette Sweetgum: Columnar Tree for Tight Spaces

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

For gardeners craving trees but limited on space, 'Slender Silhouette' sweetgum is a revelation. This compact, columnar tree reaches an impressive height of up to 50 feet while staying only 3–6 feet wide, fitting into narrow side yards, against walls, or as a striking vertical accent. Its architectural form makes an instant focal point.

Unlike typical sweetgums that litter the ground with spiky fruit, this cultivar produces minimal fruit that drops in a small area due to its narrow habit. Deep green summer foliage transforms into brilliant yellow, orange, red, or burgundy in fall. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay.

Common Problems

Rarely bothered by pests, but bleeding necrosis (a fungal disease) can occasionally occur, appearing as if oil was poured on the bark at the soil line. No known treatment exists, but raising the soil grade around the tree is believed to foster the disease.

—Mary Anne Thornton, Fine Gardening #148

Quick Reference

• Height: Up to 50 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Light: Full Sun
• Moisture: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Low
• Seasonal Interest: Fall
• Type: Trees