American Sweetgum
ExploreTrees
American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua L.
The American Sweetgum is a tall tree with star-shaped leaves that turn pretty colors in autumn. Its spiky seed balls are fun to look at!
Habitat: Forests and parks
Appearance
The American Sweetgum has distinctive star-shaped leaves that blaze into vibrant shades of red, purple, and yellow in fall. Its unique spherical, spiky seed capsules, often called 'gumballs,' make it easily recognizable.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaGenusLiquidambar
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its spiky seed pods are nicknamed 'gumballs' because people once chewed its sweet, sticky sap!
Sweetgum trees are considered 'living fossils' as similar trees grew with the dinosaurs!
The fragrant sap was a popular chewing gum before modern chewing gum was invented!
The inner bark of the sweetgum was historically used by Native Americans to make a medicinal tea!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Spiker Shield
American Sweetgum has spiky 'gumballs' that protect its seeds, dropping them far from the parent tree to help it reproduce.
Ability
Starry Solar Panels
American Sweetgum can capture maximum sunlight with its unique star-shaped leaves, helping it grow tall and strong.
Ability
Healing Sap Power
American Sweetgum has sticky, aromatic sap that helps heal its wounds and can even be used as medicine.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-40 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-20 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 60-120 cm
- Lifespan
- 100-150 years
- Fruit Type
- Woody, spiky capsule (gumball)
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Sweetgum?
20-40 m
How wide does American Sweetgum spread?
10-20 m
Is American Sweetgum edible?
Yes
How big is American Sweetgum?
60-120 cm
How long does American Sweetgum live?
100-150 years
Where is American Sweetgum usually found?
Forests and parks
What kind of fruit does American Sweetgum produce?
Woody, spiky capsule (gumball)
How fast does American Sweetgum grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
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