Sweetgum, Bare Root

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum is a stately native tree known for its star-shaped leaves, brilliant fall color, and spiky seed balls. Found naturally in bottomland forests and moist uplands of the southeastern U.S., this long-lived hardwood plays a crucial role in native reforestation, streamside stabilization, and early successional wildlife habitat. Its fast growth and tolerance for wet soils make it especially valuable in riparian plantings and regenerative forestry systems.

Key Characteristics

• Supports diverse native wildlife
  Sweetgum's seeds are an important winter food source for songbirds such as goldfinches, sparrows, and mourning doves. The tree also supports caterpillars of the luna moth (Actias luna) and several other native moth species.
• Excellent for streambank restoration and wetland edges
  With a deep, stabilizing root system and tolerance for seasonal flooding, sweetgum helps prevent erosion and can be a structural species in wetland buffers and riparian forest edges.
• Valuable in reforestation and carbon sequestration plantings
  Its rapid growth and tall, straight form make sweetgum a prime candidate for reforestation and afforestation projects in the southeastern U.S. It plays a role in improving soil structure and building long-term canopy cover.
• Brilliant fall foliage for seasonal interest
  Sweetgum delivers a vivid autumn display ranging from yellow to deep red to purple, especially in full sun. This aesthetic value makes it suitable for large-scale native landscapes and habitat gardens with seasonal interest.
• Traditional medicinal uses of resin
  The tree exudes a fragrant balsamic resin known as "storax" or "liquid amber," traditionally used by Native American communities as a topical salve for skin conditions and respiratory ailments.

Product Details

• Native range: Southeastern U.S. to parts of the Midwest and Texas
• Plant life cycle: Deciduous Tree
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Medium to medium-wet; prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates occasional flooding
• Mature height: 60–100 feet
• Bloom time: Spring
• Bloom color: Yellow-green (not showy)
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

Sweetgum is a high-value native hardwood for regenerative forestry, stream restoration, and wildlife plantings. Its fast growth, ecological contributions, and visual appeal make it a multipurpose tree for large spaces and restoration landscapes.