Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’ - Upright sweet gum
Family Atlingiaceae

Description:

Four species of Liquidambar are native to Asia and North America. This tree is native to the eastern United States, Mexico, and into Central America. They are tall, deciduous trees used for timber, medicines and aromatics. The sweet gum is an adaptable tree usually found in moist sites. It is capable of reaching over 100 feet in height. It is one of the most important timber trees in the southeastern U.S. It produces an aromatic gum called copalm balm.

 

Further north, this tree can produce very colorful fall foliage. Nurseries sell several cultivars selected for their outstanding fall color.

Location:

See these plants on the south side of the Arena. Wild plants are common in natural areas on campus.

Size:

Slender Silhouette is reported to grow to sixty feet tall and only six feet wide. Wild trees can reach 100 feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: prefers a moist site, may require irrigation during droughts

Soil: moist to average soil