Liquidamber or Sweetgum is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, with a range that extends to southern New York and as far north as southern Illinois. It is most distinguished by its star-shaped shiny green leaves, giving the trees a maple-like appearance; the five-to-seven lobes are sharply pointed. However, this is a witch hazel family member, with fruits that resemble round burs. The seeds persist through the winter.

The bright green leaves turn red-to-gold or even purple in autumn, and the trees take on a somewhat variegated appearance, rivaling the maples in beauty. The leaves often persist into early winter.

The trees are narrowly pyramidal in shape, often free of branches on the lower portion. They may reach over a hundred feet in height in their native habitat but are typically much smaller in cultivation. The bark of aged trees is furrowed and fissured, gray-brown in color.

These trees are grown from seed collected in Redding, Ca., and are entering their third season. They are drought and cold tolerant.

Size: One gallon
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Scientific Name: Liquidamber styraciflua