Sweetgum
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.
| Location | Points | C.B.H. | Height | Crown |
| Dover Air Force Base, Dover | 247 | 110 | 121 | 64 |
| 3052 Andrews Lake Rd., Frederica | 242 | 104 | 124 | 57 |
| S. of Sawmill Rd., Georgetown1 | 210 | 101 | 95 | 56 |
| 1 west of Bryans Store Rd. |