European beech and Sweetgum are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Fagus sylvatica 5 m × 3 m after 10 years
A huge woodland tree with smooth grey bark and deep shade that makes a fine specimen in a large garden and, when clipped, a classic hedge: the hedge…
Liquidambar styraciflua 6 m × 4 m after 10 years
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.…
Sweetgum grows faster than European beech.
European beech is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Sweetgum.
European beech needs less care than Sweetgum.
Sweetgum is cheaper: about €20 at the size usually planted, against about €54 for European beech.
|
Feature
|
European beech
|
Sweetgum
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 5 m × 3 m | 6 m × 4 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–35 m × 10–30 m | 18–30 m × 12–20 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Calcareous, Acidic, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, green | April–May, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 1000 cm | 800 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €54 | approx. €20 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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