Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Family: Altingiaceae
Sweetgum grows in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil. Water needs: Moderate.
Photo Gallery
Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
How to Grow Sweetgum
Sweetgum growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Moist, well-drained acidic soil with a soil pH of 5.0-6.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 5-9. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Sweetgum as 30-60 days after stratification, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow. Days to maturity are listed as 5-10 years.
Plant Overview
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is listed in the Altingiaceae family and categorized as a tree with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0493
- Family
- Altingiaceae
- Plant type
- Tree
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Easy
Growing Conditions
Sweetgum is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Moist, well-drained acidic soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.0-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 5-9.
- Hardiness zones
- 5-9
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained acidic soil
- Soil pH
- 5.0-6.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 30-60 days after stratification and the seed depth is Surface sow. The listed time to maturity is 5-10 years. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 30-60 days after stratification
- Seed depth
- Surface sow
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 5-10 years
Find, buy, swap, or sell Sweetgum
One World One Seed connects this plant profile to community sellers, plant swaps, storefronts, and participating garden retailers.
Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.