Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Both common and native in Delaware, sweetgum prefers wetter sites but will grow on many soils. Easily identified by its five-pointed, star-shaped leaves and its spiny “monkey balls,” it is commonly planted in urban areas although its roots require a large area. Fall color can range from yellow to maroon to purple—all on one tree. Its wood is difficult to dry and has historically been used for low-value products such as peach baskets and ice cream spoons.
Sweetgum has leaves shaped like a six-point star missing its bottom point. The reddish-brown fruit (“monkey ball”) matures in October, and persists until early the next year.
Sweetgum – Liquidambar styraciflua | ||||
Location | Points | C.B.H. | Height | Crown |
Redden State Forest, Georgetown1 | 271 | 145 | 108 | 72 |
3000 Andrews Lake Rd., Frederica | 261 | 111 | 135 | 59 |
701 Delaware Ave., Wilmington2 | 251 | 133 | 96 | 89 |
Dover Air Force Base | 249 | 113 | 118 | 72 |
1Rayne Tract 2Brandywine Cemetery |