Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Occasional in southern Illinois. Distinctive star-shaped leaves that can assume various colors during fall including dark purple, orange, pink, or yellow. Has spiky seedheads that can be difficult to walk on as well as challenging to remove from lawns. Caterpillars of moths feed on the leaves such as the Luna Moth. The seeds are a food source for some songbirds including the Carolina Chickadee and Slate-Colored Junco. Crushed leaves have a pleasant fragrance. The sap produces a fragrant gum known as ‘American Storax.’
Occasional in southern Illinois. Distinctive star-shaped leaves that can assume various colors during fall including dark purple, orange, pink, or yellow. Has spiky seedheads that can be difficult to walk on as well as challenging to remove from lawns. Caterpillars of moths feed on the leaves such as the Luna Moth. The seeds are a food source for some songbirds including the Carolina Chickadee and Slate-Colored Junco. Crushed leaves have a pleasant fragrance. The sap produces a fragrant gum known as ‘American Storax.’
Occasional in southern Illinois. Distinctive star-shaped leaves that can assume various colors during fall including dark purple, orange, pink, or yellow. Has spiky seedheads that can be difficult to walk on as well as challenging to remove from lawns. Caterpillars of moths feed on the leaves such as the Luna Moth. The seeds are a food source for some songbirds including the Carolina Chickadee and Slate-Colored Junco. Crushed leaves have a pleasant fragrance. The sap produces a fragrant gum known as ‘American Storax.’
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats: abandoned fields; bottomland woodlands; depressions in upland woodlands; drier areas of swamps; riverbanks; shaded gravelly seeps
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): tree (60 to 90 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile soil containing clay-loam or loam