treeN. America Native

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Moraine'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, deciduous North American native tree known for its star-shaped leaves, corky bark, and brilliant, long-lasting fall color. 'Moraine' is a superior cultivar selected for its upright, uniform pyramidal habit, faster growth rate, and consistently spectacular fall color display of yellow, orange, red, and purple.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Moraine' Sweetgum is a truly magnificent specimen tree, prized for its formal, pyramidal shape, glossy star-shaped summer leaves, and one of the most reliably brilliant and multi-hued fall color displays of any large tree. The corky wings on the branches add winter texture.

As a large, fast-growing tree, it provides excellent shade, making it ideal for cooling large areas in parks, campuses, and spacious residential lawns. Its uniform shape lends itself well to formal allees or street plantings where space permits.

The seeds from the spiky 'gumballs' are a food source for birds like goldfinches, purple finches, and wild turkeys, as well as squirrels. It is also the larval host plant for the magnificent Luna moth.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a large, open site in full sun.
This tree prefers moist, acidic, well-drained loams.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch a wide area around the tree to protect the roots.

Pro Tip

For the most vibrant fall color, plant in a location that receives full sun and has acidic soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Water consistently after planting and during droughts.
Prune when young to develop a good structure.
Allow the lower branches to remain for a few years to build trunk caliper.

Don't

Do not plant near sidewalks, driveways, or septic systems due to its roots.
Avoid planting in high pH (alkaline) soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Don't plant in small yards or under power lines.
Avoid heavy foot traffic over the root zone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Magnificent large-scale shade treeStunning specimen for fall colorExcellent choice for parks and large properties

Companion Plants

Quercus rubra (Red Oak) Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) Fothergilla major Itea virginica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sweetgum questions

What zones can Sweetgum grow in?

Sweetgum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. 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 mid-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).