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UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida

Plant Identification Learning Module:
Ornamentals

Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

A deciduous tree with an upright growth habit. When young the canopy is pyramidal in shape, but it becomes rounded with age. Simple leaves are spirally arranged, palmately shaped with five or seven lobes and may be up to 7 inches wide. The margins are finely serrate and leaves show some fall color. When crushed, they are aromatic. The twigs have corky, twisted wings. Fruits are woody and rounded to 1/2 inch in diameter, with many spines.

Sweet gum tree with green leaves turning color
(cc) 2007, Ikmo-ned. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0.
Sweet gum foliage
Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulurist, Bugwood.org
Sweet gum leaf
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org
Sweet gum young fruit
National Junior Horticultural Association
Sweet gum mature fruit
Steven J. Baskauf http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu.