Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum – Star-Leaved Tree with Spiky Gumballs

Liquidambar styraciflua, known as Sweetgum, Red Gum, or Liquid Amber, is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America and Mesoamerica. It has distinctive, star-shaped, 5–7 lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in fall. The spiky, spherical fruit clusters (gumballs) persist through winter. The resin (storax) has been used for incense and medicine. It prefers moist, acidic soils but adapts to various conditions. The seed pods can be a litter nuisance.

Taxonomic Details