Sweet gum trees, a panhandle Florida native, are appropriately named both in English and in Latin. The scientific name, Liquidambar styraciflua, literally means liquid amber, which flows in this plant’s tawny resin.
This deciduous tree is found in the southeastern U.S., Mexico and the north end of Central America. Members of this tree’s genus are located in Asia and Europe as well.
Fossil records indicate this tree emerged almost 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous epoch and was likely consumed by plant-eating dinosaurs. It once had a much wider range, but time and glaciers have established its population in warmer latitudes.
Older, larger specimens can reach in excess of 100 feet, but they commonly reach 80 feet at maturity. The bark on mature trees is gray with black streaks and grooved vertically.
Their roots extend far beyond this tree’s drip line. Foundations and septic systems located in close vicinity are in danger of damage from the sweet gum’s aggressively encroaching roots.
The bright green leaves are similar in appearance to maples, with five points and distinctly green stems holding them on the branch. Depending on the year and environmental factors, the leaves will turn purplish red to yellow in autumn.
Sweet gums are commonly found in groups and thickets. When uncovered their shallow roots will send up shoots establishing another tree.
Their roots extend far beyond this tree’s drip line. Foundations and septic systems located in close vicinity are in danger of damage from encroaching roots.
One distinctive feature which eases identification is the burrs produced in late summer.
Florida maples, which have a similar appearing leaf, produce winged seeds which flutter away in the breeze, but no burrs.
These round burrs carry seeds for the next generation’s colonization of new territory. They roll easily and float during heavy washing rains.
The burrs are also attractive to wild life as a food source. Undigested seed can be deposited miles from the parent tree into a susceptible germination site.
This tree is sometimes used in home landscapes, but not close to structures or high traffic areas. In addition to root encroachment problems, the older trees commonly drop limbs of substantial size.
The prolific production of burrs is another problem. They quickly litter a well-manicured area and are painful if stepped on when barefooted.
The straight grained wood has some value in furniture construction and plywood veneers in regions which have sawmills serving those market niches. For any area without a nearby sawmill, the lumber’s value is diminished.
Sweet gum is not considered an acceptable firewood as it deposits excessive soot and resin in the chimney. It also decays quickly when left in the weather, so it has no value as fence posts.
Luckily, it does give off a sweet aroma from the sap and has a tenacious ability to flourish in north Florida.
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