treeN. America Native

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

150+ years

Native To

Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, deciduous tree native to North America, prized for its star-shaped leaves and spectacular, long-lasting fall color. The species is known for its spiky, gumball-like fruit. 'Rotundiloba' is a unique, sterile (fruitless) cultivar with distinctive rounded lobes on its leaves instead of the typical pointed ones. It offers the same brilliant fall color without the messy fruit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This is a premier shade tree, offering beautiful, uniquely shaped glossy green leaves all summer, followed by a breathtaking, long-lasting display of yellow, orange, red, and purple fall foliage. Its fruitless nature makes it a clean, low-maintenance choice.

As a large, long-lived tree, it provides significant shade and cooling for homes and public spaces. Its upright, pyramidal form makes it an excellent choice for lining streets and avenues without the hazard of its spiky fruit.

The tree is a host plant for the Luna moth and other native insects. Goldfinches and other birds eat the seeds of the species, but this cultivar is sterile. It still provides valuable canopy cover and nesting sites.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with deep, moist, fertile, acidic soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or just above soil level.
Backfill with native soil, watering as you go to settle it.
Water deeply and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch.
Keep consistently moist for the first few years to establish.

Pro Tip

Plant this fruitless variety to enjoy all the benefits of a sweetgum without the hazard of spiky gumballs on walkways.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its large, mature size.
Water during prolonged dry spells, even on mature trees.
Plant in acidic soil for the best fall color.
Appreciate the unique leaf shape and clean, fruitless nature.

Don't

Do not plant in highly alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting in confined spaces or under power lines.
Don't plant in dry, sandy soils without providing supplemental irrigation.
Avoid major pruning, as it can spoil the natural pyramidal form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent fruitless street or lawn treeStately specimen for spectacular fall colorTall, narrow tree for screening or formal avenues

Companion Plants

Fagus grandifolia Nyssa sylvatica Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' Magnolia virginiana Osmunda cinnamomea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sweetgum questions

What zones can Sweetgum grow in?

Sweetgum is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sweetgum deer resistant?

Yes — Sweetgum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sweetgum bloom?

Sweetgum typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sweetgum need full sun?

Sweetgum does best in full sun (6+ hours).