Fauna
Plant

American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Also known as Sweetgum, Redgum, Star-leaved Gum, Alligatorwood

American sweetgums are iconic canopy trees across eastern North American forests, recognized by glossy five-lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of crimson, purple, and gold in autumn. They produce distinctive spiky, woody seed capsules that dangle from long stalks before dropping to the ground in winter. A fragrant, amber resin exudes from cuts in the bark, historically harvested for gums, perfumes, and herbal ointments.

DeciduousFall ColorNative Tree
American Sweetgum reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Soil Water, Carbon Dioxide
Predators
  • Luna Moth Caterpillars
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Beavers
ThreatsSevere drought, coastal flooding, and localized fungal blights
HabitatsBottomland forests, floodplains, rich slopes, and parks
Life span200–300 years
Classification
  1. OrderSaxifragales
  2. FamilyAltingiaceae
  3. GenusLiquidambar
  4. SpeciesLiquidambar styraciflua
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Watch Your Step: Spiky dropped seed capsules can create slippery footing on pavement in winter.
  • Crush Leaves for Scent: Bruise a leaf during summer to release its sweet, balsam aroma.
  • Examine Twigs: Look for prominent corky, wing-like ridges along young branches.
Related species
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