Tree · Altingiaceae family
sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
In short a 10-second read
Sweetgum (tree) grows to 18–30 m tall and 12–20 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. It flowers in April–May; the flowers are green. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 12–20 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, clay
Soil pH 5–7
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April–May · green
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (February–March).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does sweetgum flower?
In April–May; the flowers are green.
Does sweetgum tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does sweetgum need?
At maturity 12–20 m wide and 18–30 m tall; recommended spacing 1200 cm.
Does sweetgum survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (17)
- GBIF — Liquidambar styraciflua
- Zahradnictví Arónie (CZ) — kategória Malé stromy
- Okrasné škôlky (SK) — Listnaté stromy
- Dučplant (SK) — Okrasné stromy do predzáhradky a malej záhrady
- NC State Plant Toolbox
- MOBOT Plant Finder
- Van den Berk
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Liquidambar styraciflua
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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