What soil does Sweetgum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Sweetgum be planted?

Plant it at least 5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 4 m from paving.

When does Sweetgum flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Sweetgum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Sweetgum cost?

It sells for roughly €20 to €490 in local shops, depending on size.

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €20.

Illustration of Sweetgum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A regular, narrowly conical tree when young with glossy star-shaped leaves that hold weeks of yellow, orange, purple and deep red colour in autumn. Give it sun and moist, acidic to neutral soil: on limy ground the leaves turn yellow, and it does not cope with long dry spells. The spiky seed balls drop in quantity through winter and spring, are slippery on paving and unpleasant under bare feet, and the surface roots can lift pavements, so keep it away from patios and paths.

Watch out for

On the often limy soils of Central Europe it develops iron chlorosis, struggles and grows slowly; plant it only where the soil pH is below 7. In hot, dry summers the top of the crown can die back without watering. It leafs out early, so late spring frosts can scorch the new shoots, and young trees can suffer dieback in the coldest winters. It resents transplanting, so buy a container-grown tree and plant it in spring. Clearing up the spiky seed balls is a yearly chore.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	18–30 m × 12–20 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	High
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 5 m
Distance from paving	at least 4 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	800 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-50 cm	approx. €20
50-60 cm	approx. €21
60-80 cm	approx. €24
80-100 cm	approx. €28
100-125 cm	approx. €31
125-150 cm	approx. €35
150-175 cm	approx. €39
175-200 cm	approx. €81
size not stated	approx. €48 – €490

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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