Plant Profile — Sweetgum
Posted in Gardens and Collections on November 11 2008, by Plant Talk
The Botanical Garden’s living collections is among the greatest in the world and contains more than 1 million plants. Jon Peter, Plant Records Manager, periodically will shine the spotlight on a particular species that can be found within our 250 acres.
Botanical Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Common Name(s): Sweetgum
Family Name: Hamamelidaceae (Witch-hazel family)
Native Range: USA—Massachusetts to Florida, west to Illinois and Texas; California;
Mexico to Nicaragua
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5B through 10A
Location(s) within NYBG: Library building lawn, Forest, Native Plant Garden
Site Requirements: Sun to partial shade; well-drained, moist acidic soil; can tolerate extended periods of flooding
Interesting Note: The glossy star-shaped leaves turn a range of colors in autumn, from purple and red to orange and yellow. The tree forms a park-like conical shape and develops thick, deeply furrowed bark. On some trees the twigs grow strange-looking corky bark ridges that add to its winter interest. The unique fruit of the sweetgum attracts an array of birds and other wildlife.
