Sweetgum, Moraine

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Moraine'

Height: 35-40ft
Spread: 20-25ft
Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Fast to moderate
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Red/purple/yellow
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, park tree
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Upright, oval
Other: Native

'Moraine' sweetgum was selected for its cold hardiness, compact habit, and better foliage color. This North American native is well known for its leaf shape, spiky fruit, and extraordinary fall color. The glossy, green leaves are star shaped and change to a brilliant mix of reds, purples, and yellows in autumn. Insignificant flowers appear in spring and the female flowers morph into spiky, gumball-like fruits that can persist into winter. Sweetgum prefer moist, well-draining acidic soils in full sun to part shade. A thick layer of mulch will help benefit moisture retention in the soil. Sweetgum can have shallow root systems.