American Sweetgum, Redgum, Star-leaved Gum, Satin-walnut, Bilsted
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Saxifragales, Family: Altingiaceae, Genus: Liquidambar, Species: Liquidambar styraciflua · Altingiaceae (Sweetgum family); formerly classified in Hamamelidaceae (Witch-hazel family). · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Liquidambar styraciflua
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Altingiaceae (Sweetgum family); formerly classified in Hamamelidaceae (Witch-hazel family).
Shape
Palmately lobed, star-shaped (star-like), typically with 5 to 7 pointed lobes and deep sinuses.
Size
Approximately 4 to 7 inches wide and long. This specimen appears to be around 5 inches, which is standard for a healthy mature leaf.
Margin
Finely serrate (toothed) along all lobe edges.
Arrangement
Alternate (one leaf per node, spiraling around the stem). This is a key identifier distinguishing it from Maples.
Rarity
Very Common; highly prevalent in its native range and widely planted as an ornamental or street tree.
Color & Pattern
Glossy bright green upper surface; slightly paler green underside. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red, and deep purple, often on the same tree.
Venation Pattern
Palmate; five to seven primary veins radiate from the base of the leaf blade into each lobe.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and often glossy on the upper surface; the underside may have small tufts of hair in the axils of the veins. Leathery texture when mature.
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree reaching 60–100 feet. It features a straight trunk with 'corky' winged bark on younger twigs and a pyramidal crown that becomes rounded with age. It produces inconspicuous flowers followed by distinctive 'gumball' woody, spiky fruit.
Key Features
Star-shaped leaves with alternate arrangement (unlike opposite-leaved maples), aromatic resinous scent when crushed, and spiky fruit balls.
Habitat
Thrives in moist, acidic, loamy or clay soils. Found in bottomlands, floodplains, and rich uplands; often a pioneer species in old fields.
Geographic Range
Native to the eastern United States from Connecticut south to central Florida and west to eastern Texas. Also native to cloud forests in Mexico and Central America.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy with excellent turgor. There is very slight chlorosis (yellowing) between veins, possibly indicating a minor nutrient imbalance, but overall health is Good.
Interesting Facts
The tree gets its name from the yellowish resin, or 'liquid amber,' that exudes from wounds in the bark. This resin was historically used as a chewing gum and for incense.
Medicinal & Uses
The resin has been used to treat skin ailments and coughs. The wood is commercially important for furniture, veneer, and pulp. It is a popular ornamental for its spectacular fall color.
Ecological Role
Provides cover and nesting sites for birds. Seeds are eaten by goldfinches, purple finches, squirrels, and chipmunks. It is a larval host for the Luna Moth.
Similar Species
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) — maples have opposite leaf arrangement and fewer lobes. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) — also opposite leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive 'gumballs' on the ground. Crush a leaf; if it smells like sweet balsam, it is likely Sweetgum. Note the corky ridges on the twigs.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans. The resin is edible/medicinal (in small amounts), though the spiky seed pods are a physical trip/stepping hazard.