Tree
Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Proven Winners® varieties
Traits
Varieties We Carry
Sweet Caroline ShadowstormLiquidambar styracifluaSlender SilhouetteLiquidambar styraciflua
Sizes & Pricing
1 galProven WinnersFrom$7.95
15 galFrom$150.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun
WaterHigh
Mature size60-75 feet × 40-50 feet
About Sweetgum
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a large, pyramidal deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and parts of Mexico and Central America, renowned for its star-shaped, deeply lobed leaves that turn spectacular shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in autumn — often all on the same tree. It bears spiky, spherical seed balls that persist on the tree through winter. The aromatic resin ("liquidambar") produced by the bark has traditional medicinal and commercial uses. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Wet, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Sweetgum requires full sun for best growth and fall color. Plant in an open, unobstructed site with at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily.
Water
Sweetgum needs consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought well. Water deeply and regularly, especially during Florida's dry season. This tree is native to moist bottomlands and performs best where soil stays consistently moist.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant only in acidic soil (pH 7 or below); chlorosis occurs in alkaline conditions. Tolerates wet and occasionally flooded sites. In Florida's sandy soils, add organic matter to improve moisture retention. Fertilize lightly in spring with an acidic, slow-release granular fertilizer; deep-root fertilization benefits established trees.
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Common questions
Is Sweetgum a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sweetgum is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 60-75 feet × 40-50 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.