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Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua | Family: Altingiaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

star shaped, reddish-green, with a very soft texture

Twigs—

not thin, dull, gray-brown color

Flowers—

nothing noticeable

Fruit—

the long stems have round small fruits with a very rough texture

Bark—

rough texture and gray-brown color

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

Over 150 years

General description—

Since it requires a lot of space to really develop and grow and it has a very bright look to it, this tree is very popular and can be found in many public wide places such as parks and campuses. This tree species doesn’t tolerate pollution and drought too well; it requires a lot of moist soil and unfiltered sunlight for reaching its full tall height.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Originally from the southwestern US.

Conservation status—

Not easily affected by diseases and insects.

Uses—

Used to make soap and furniture; it is also used for medicinal purposes. Wildlife feed on this tree.

References:

  1. “American Sweetgum.” Arborday.org, Arbor Day Foundation, http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=928.
  2. “Liquidambar styraciflua,” missouribotanicalgarden.org, Missouri botanical garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c116
  3. Reed, Patricia Hamilton, “Facts on the sweetgum tree,” homeguides.sfgate.com, SFGATE, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/sweet-gum-tree-27329.html

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