If you love fall color, Sweetgum is the tree for you. Commonly known as an undesirable tree because of its spiky seed pods that it drops in the fall, Sweetgum is often better appreciated from a distance. If you have an edge to your property that you don't mow underneath, consider adding this tree! You'll be rewarded with a magnificent fall display ranging from yellow and orange to red and purple star-shaped leaves.
Pollinator Type
Caterpillars
Plant Type
Deciduous tree
Zone
5 to 8
Height
60-80 ft
Spread
40-70 ft
Light
Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Green
Bloom Time
April, May
Design Considerations
Sweet Gum should not be planted near areas where people walk due to its spiked seed pods.
Care and Maintenance
Sweet Gum does not grow well in alkaline soils, but can tolerate clay soils. It does well with short periods of flooding.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Transplant from nursery container in fall or spring.
Commercial Availability
Rarely available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Red Maple, Sugar Maple
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Leaves can be red, purple, orange, or yellow, and often are a combination of colors on an individual tree.
Growth habit
Sweet Gum grows to have an oval-shaped crown.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
