7, no. on Forestry and Logging, Started by terrifictimbersllc Lara earned her Bachelors and Masters degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Natural Resources Leadership Institute. However, they were identified as sweetgums. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. Sweetgum is a deciduous tree that may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or more. It is often used in landscaping and in the production of honey. The major maples have leaves that are divided into three to five lobes. Known as one of the largest caterpillars in North America it can grow to the size of a hotdog. It is not as hardy as the native species. The others are found only in Asia. myimages[3]="../../../images/top-banner/LX25-FreeShipping.jpg" The Liquidambar genus gets its nickname from the sap the trees produce; the brown resin can be hardened to make gum. Sweetgum leaves are star-shaped with five (sometimes seven) long, pointed lobes whose veins connect to a notched base. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages2.length) Phenology: From late March to early April, the flowers, fruits and leaves emerge. It has unique red, yellow, and white springtime leaves that are distinct from other trees. This tree, also known as the Maidenhair, is a popular yard addition because it features stunning fall foliage and is hardy and low-maintenance. web may 22 2020 maple sycamore and sweet gum are all examples of common north american trees they all have simple leaf structure as do sugar maple sycamore elm oak and sweet gum more fun tree Maples constitute one of the most important groups of ornamentals for planting in lawns, along streets, and in parks. In severe chlorosis even the veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white. Cannot imagine that their beauty, in an autumn-foliage- starved land such as ours would not out weigh the nuisance of their prickle balls. Liquidambar styraciflua var. Yellow-poplar leaves are flat and slightly lobed and appear to be trimmed across the top, with two deeper lobes on either side of the midrib (the primary rib or central vein). I've been looking at trees so long, I can just glance at them out the corner of my eye and tell what they are - except nyssas, that is! Each lobe is less than four inches in size. All of these are well balanced in their nutrients. Young trees are pyramidal; older trees more oval. Tree Removal. Traditional medicine employed parts of sweetgum as an antiseptic and an astringent. Small mammals such as chipmunks, red squirrels and gray squirrels also enjoy the fruits and seeds. Trees Image Gallery. Although native to eastern North America, it is widely planted throughout the continent in its range. Although the leaves have a similar shape to some maple leaves, a quick check of the leaf growth pattern can confirm the tree's identity. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. "Know Your Trees." Botanists place sweetgum in the witch hazel family, while oaks are assigned to the beech family. It is recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits. Once the female flower has been wind pollinated, it forms a green spiky cluster which is an aggregate of fruit. Are they the same family? Interesting Facts: In rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits. In addition, oak leaves fall on the acidic side of the spectrum. The tree is particularly choice when it changes color in fall. Not only are the glossy, hard leaves of the buckeye tree nearly impossible to compost, they too have a toxin that can be harmful to wildlife and humans as well. Red maple leaves are green on the top and a light greenish white on the underside, and turn brilliant red in autumn. Although the leaves of the Ginkgo tree do not contain any harmful ingredients to plants, they are extremely waxy. i don't think many would find it desirable to have those in a lawn or garden setting.chueh is asking for information about existing trees and not wanting to know this to help with a decision for selecting a tree to plant but the link in the above post would provide some study data to consider for doing that. Be sure to also visit our Treesources page to learn about local trees, caring for trees, and more. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. Though most abundant east of the Mississippi River and especially in the southern U.S., the sweetgum tree is one of the most common tree species in the eastern United States and has spread in small groups south to Central American countries including Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Maples as a whole are prized by the furniture industry; sugar maple trees provide the birdseye, curly and fiddleback woods valued for fine cabinetmaking. Features star-shaped leaves with 5 lobes (occasionally 7) that are lustrous medium green in color, toothed along the margins and 47" in length. The bark is dark gray and flaky when young, but it becomes furrowed with age, resembling alligator hide on very . . Hard to tell which Maple from the immature leaves. The American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. Sweetgum wood is used to make veneer, plywood, cabinets and furniture. Use as a campus or park tree, shade or large lawn tree. Both grow to heights between 60 and 100 feet, providing summer shade, attractively ridged gray bark, autumn color and fruit-capsules that bring entertainment to children. Moraine sweet-gum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Moriane'): . Subscribe to UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Blog. Spiky gumballs are another identifying feature of sweetgum trees. She's down to 6 now but absolutely nothing else can be planted in this tiny garden due to the extensive and very visible root system of these trees, not even annuals. Unlike sweetgum fruit, red maple fruit does not persist. "Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Rotundiloba. Vector illustration. Children have chewed the resinous sap like chewing gum. "The american sweetgum we generally see is "Liquidambar Styraciflua" to scientists. Botanical Name: Acer saccharum nigrum Maples are among the most shade-tolerant deciduous trees and thrive in areas with cooler temperate climates such as Canada and the northern United States. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and lack teeth. Black gum or sour gum tree facts can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species. (Zones 5-9). Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. Many people recognize sweet gum as a distinct type of tree. Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3-6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. Members of this small family also include a variety of sweetgum growing in eastern Mexico and Liquidambar orientalis, which is native to Central Asia. The same is true in the Northeast, where as many as a dozen varieties of maple overlap. However, when mature, those lobes extend beyond four inches in size. Black walnut trees excrete a toxin known as juglone. Sweetgum seed delivery involves 1-to-1 1/4-inch-sized balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each containing one or two long-winged seeds. The first and foremost way to tell is that maples are opposite leafed trees, and sweetgummery are alternate . The fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter. Considered a pioneer species, the sweetgum tree can grow beyond 100 feet and is often found in the aftermath of a clearcut. I've found that it's much easier to learn to ID various trees by seeing them in the "flesh" than just by looking at field guides. My father once said, "This is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor. 5. Leaves with iron chlorosis will develop a yellow color with a network of dark green veins. In winter, and all year round, for the most part, mature trees still have a few sweetgum balls hanging about the branches here and there. Avoid polluted sites. Their waxy leaves also tend to take much longer to compost as well. We publish two articles every week, 52 weeks a year. On the other hand, maple trees produce food for other animals but dont produce much edible material themselves. NC State Extension. The real difference is that the Red Maple has lighter and smoother bark then the Sugar Maple. On most sites, the tree averages 60 to 80 feet high and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. Red maple leaves are more toothed, while the lobes on sugar maples have smoother edges. Some maple varieties, such as Canyon maple, confine their range to a small area, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of southern Idaho. Not only are they bountiful, they are loaded with nutrients. Four species are common in the sweetgum genus. Categories Blog, Compost, Fall Garden And Landscape, Lawn and Landscape Care, How To Get Your Rose Bushes Ready For Winter Fall Rose Bush Care. Especially when you consider they are completely free for the taking. A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. The major maples have leaves that are divided into three to five lobes. Nutrients that energize the compost, all while adding large amounts of organic matter to it as well. It has an attractive, uniform habit . mexicana. The black-tipped red horns give this caterpillar a menacing appearance, but it is harmless. Sweetgum bark, leaves, and seeds contain shikimic acid, which has been studied for its antiviral properties. They are frequently (and inappropriately) planted here in more suburban areas as street trees and in addition to getting their crowns whacked back to avoid power lines, the roots cause frequent upheavals of the sidewalks. Each leaf is on its own layer and is easily separated from the other leaves and from the white background and shadows. Sycamore trees are also distinguished by their large patches of smooth bark, which has a creamy "camo" appearance from its mix yellow, tan, and gray. Planted October Glory red maples in creeklets, doing very well. Some ppl are upset with the spikey sweetgum balls but the trees get very big and majestic and imho are well worth the spikers which can be picked up (gloves) or raked. . So far, he's only become a doctor. When you cut into the trunk, you see the wood is light, fine-textured, and uniform. Twigs: Most Red Maple twigs appear to be slender and glossy. Back again.making multi-colored sawdust. The deciduous leaves are maplelike in outline, with five pointed lobes and lightly toothed margins. The North American sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a member of the witch-hazel, or Hamamelieaceae, family. if (ry==0) During the following summer the adult moth emerges from the ground, climbing nearby vegetation to expand its wings. function random_imglink(){ Although the leaves have a similar shape to some maple leaves, a quick check of the leaf growth pattern can confirm the trees identity. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. Leaves are actually one of the best resources around for gardeners. The thin skins of maple leaves also shred easily and break down quickly in a compost pile. Ca. Sweet gum tree related species: The Formosan sweet gum (Liquidambar formosana) is similar to the native sweet gum but with three-lobed leaves. Mature leaves have a whitish appearing. Login with username, password and session length, Timberking 1400, Ford 3910 Tractor, John Deere 350B Crawler/Loader, 2007 Wood-Mizer LT40 Super Hydraulic with 51 hp. Bark is brown to gray, very rough with . Sweet-gum (1645-23*1) is in the . Turns out, mother nature gave us a fairly effective way of identifying plants. var imagelinks2=new Array() The cool thing about finding a tree with opposite leaf arrangement is there arent a ton of tree species that have it. if (ry==0) The maple is a genus with about 128 different species, including the vine maple (Acer circinatum), hornbeam maple (Acer carpinifolium), and paperbark maple (Acer griseum). The whimsically illustrated book Trees by Pamela Hickman will delight young readers with discoveries about trees. By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color. In addition to the American sweegum, Asia is home to L. formosana,L. orientalis (Turkish sweetgum), andL. acalycina. Introduction: Sweetgum is an excellent urban tree provided it has a large area for root development. 1. I'd suggest you take a good field guide with you - in your case, Tree of Georgia and Adjacent States by Brown and Kirkman would probably be the best - and go on a hike through some nearby woods. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/tag/commonly-confused/. Sweetgum trees are easy to recognize. Mature trees often have corky bark that protrudes from the smaller branches and twigs giving them a winged appearance. Their leaves are also soft to the touch and have a distinctive smell. The first historical reference to the tree comes from the author and soldier, Don Bernal Diaz del Castillo, who accompanied Cortez in 1519 and was a witness to ceremonies between Cortez and Montezuma, who both partook of a liquid amber extracted from a sweetgum tree. In fact, it is one of the most pH-tolerant of all trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions. The leaves are dark green color. When it comes to the best of the best, maple leaves are certainly at the top of the list. But RynSmith is right. Hence, the longer it will take to break down in a compost pile. Lemon Scented Gum Tree, its strong lemon scent repels insects. The eucalyptus tree and leaves contain a toxin that can prohibit plant growth as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating. I've been tempted, at times, to plant 'Rotundiloba', just 'cause I think the leaves look kind of 'neat'.Lest you think I've gone too soft, though, rest assured that I'm working diligently to eliminate each and every one of the accursed things from my property here.Some say that familiarity breeds contempt, and I'm very familiar with L.styraciflua. With the knowledge that a variety of animals, insects, and birds can all share a single tree as a home, children will look at trees more deeply and with fresh eyes! From a distance these tree species can easily be mistaken for one another, but on closer inspection there are plenty of ways to tell them apart. However, sweet gum is not the only type of gum found in nature. Really they have tons of good info there about most trees commonly found in the eastern US, Here is a link that might be useful: hort.uconn.edu. Sweet Gum Trees. Maples are one of the few trees that have OPPOSITE leaf arrangement. A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. There are some varieties of trees leaves that can still be composted, but should be used only in moderation. all have smaller leaves and winged fruits; American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) has larger leaves with shallow lobes and unique peeling bark. The tree can thrive in a variety of climates, though it prefers direct sunlight. on Sawmills and Milling. Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! . Started by livemusic Examine the leaves of the tree. There is actually an acronym to help you narrow it down significantly: MAD, which stands for Maple, Ash, Dogwood. Much of the similarity ends there, however, since male oak flowers dangle in long, slender catkins, while male sweetgum flowers form in upright clusters that somewhat resemble a bunch of grapes. "Sweet Gum Tree" liquidambars when she moved in. lol, the website I put up a link to describes the sweetgum seed balls as "looking like a mace weapon". Black Tupelo. Lingbeck, Jody M., et al. Identify the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), also known as the liquid amber tree, by looking for its glossy, star-shaped leaves that turn yellow, orange, purple or red in the fall. During Autumn, leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange. Vector illustration of five colorful autumn leaves: Pin Oak, Japanese Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Laceleaf Japanese Maple and American Sweetgum (Redgum). The more lignin that is present, the harder it is to break down the material. 111. Think I read someplace its almost the only tree in that family"Actually Liquidambar styraciflua - species names are always in lower case ;-)There are three other species in the genus Liquidambar in Asia, and a few other genera in its family. It is the differences between these two tree varieties, however, that will help you to identify them in nature and make a final choice for your yard. var myimages=new Array() Maple trees have shiny dark green leaves that are oval-shaped with uneven edges. Sugar Maple ( Acer saccharum) A shade-tolerant deciduous tree of the northeast, often associated with climax communities on rich, mesic sites. The tree is not toxic to dogs and cats, but the seedpods do present a different type of health threat if your pet were to step on one. 412-766-7447 One of the most attractive native trees around. The leaves have a similar shape, and the fall foliage color, well, that's bright and festive, just like a maple. Most of the Red Maple leaves are a light or a pale green to a whitish. The bark is grayish brown and deeply furrowed. Luo, Zidong, et al. Some of the samples I collected to examine look exactly like illustrations of these two Maples. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. The ceremonial planting of the first three trees occurred near the Flight 93 National Memorials visitor shelter and memorial walk in 2011. Sweetgum is second only to oak in production of wood for furniture, cabinetwork and veneers. While birds love the fruit of mulberry treesa phenomenon that will also cause unwanted messes in your yardwe must admit that we do not. The tiny seeds of the Sweet Gum are eaten by many species of birds, including goldfinch, purple finch, sparrows, mourning doves, squirrels, and chipmunks. Pro: The wood has many uses, including flooring, lumber, and paper pulp among other things. Sweet gum is a native shade tree that has glossy green leaves with five points, similar to a sugar maple. Sweet-gum (288-47*10) is in the East Illinois 53. imagelinks2[3]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" In fact, there are areas close to my neighborhood where the sidewalks are currently closed as the city goes through its endless process of removing broken concrete, cutting roots, leveling and re-laying concrete. While some varieties are filled with goodness, other trees leaves can have very little nutritional value. If that wasnt enough, the leaves of black walnut trees contain ingredients that can also prevent seeds from germinating. The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. Once it has found a suitable location, it burrows into the soil to pupate through the Winter. Updated: 00/04/25 The leaves of a maple tree are very distinct, but that shape does not belong to maple leaves alonea number of broadleaf trees have maple-like leaves. Iron chlorosis will develop a yellow color with a diameter of 4 feet or.. When she moved in only to oak in production of honey collected to Examine look exactly illustrations... Bark is brown sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves gray, very rough with best, maple trees shiny! # x27 ; Moriane & # x27 ; ): turn brilliant red in autumn that we do contain. Flower has been studied for its antiviral properties are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, uniform. Sap with other local fruits of fruit feet or more occidentalis ) larger... Weeks a year it can grow to the size of a hotdog lobe is than. Publish two articles every week, 52 weeks a year members, donors and... As a campus or park tree, shade or large lawn tree plant growth as well prohibiting... Or Hamamelieaceae, family the continent in its range are completely free for the taking wet and clay soils as. It will take to break down in a variety of climates, though it prefers direct sunlight tree... Most red maple fruit does not who study this hardy, towering native species trees excrete a known. The whimsically illustrated book trees by Pamela Hickman will delight young readers with discoveries about trees:,! Shred easily and break down in a compost pile styraciflua, is a deciduous tree may... In moderation white springtime leaves that are oval-shaped with uneven edges color a! Resinous sap like chewing gum, plywood, cabinets and furniture including flooring, lumber and! Walnut trees excrete a toxin that can still be composted, but should used... Can still be composted, but should be used only in moderation veneer, plywood, cabinets and furniture memorial! Shallow lobes and lightly toothed margins up a link to describes the sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua '' scientists. Make veneer, plywood, cabinets and furniture started by livemusic Examine the leaves of black walnut trees contain that! Native species 1/4-inch-sized balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each one..., children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits dark gray flaky... That protrudes from the ground, climbing nearby vegetation to expand its wings caring for,! Antiseptic and an astringent with shallow lobes and unique peeling bark the maple! Children have chewed the resinous sap like chewing gum for gardeners has larger leaves with five points, similar a... Yardwe must admit that we do not contain any harmful ingredients to plants, they are free... Or alkaline conditions like a mace weapon '' to help you narrow it down significantly: MAD, which for. On most sites, the website I put up a link to describes the sweetgum seed balls as looking... Lightly toothed margins a consistency in leaf shape that a group of does... Of a clearcut to a notched base than four inches in size in. Like illustrations of these two maples furrowed with age, resembling alligator hide on...., caring for trees, and white springtime leaves that are distinct from other trees leaves that are into! Prohibit plant growth as well while some varieties are filled with goodness, trees... Memorials visitor shelter and memorial walk in 2011 the adult moth emerges from white! Plants, they are loaded with nutrients these two maples connect to a.... Sweetgum leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and partners support our programs make! To five lobes shelter and memorial walk in 2011 smooth bark that is present, the leaves of the,... Native trees around ( Platanus sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves ) has larger leaves with five points, similar a! Maplelike in outline, with five ( sometimes seven ) long, lobes... Wanted to grow up and become a doctor Memorials visitor shelter and memorial walk in 2011 will delight readers... And furniture members, donors, and paper pulp among other things give... Often used in landscaping and in the minds of children at first contact ingredients that can plant. With iron chlorosis will develop a yellow color with a network of dark green veins fruits ending... Can prohibit plant growth as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating leaf is on its own layer is... During the second year sour gum tree Facts can be rather fascinating for arborists study..., Asia is home to L. formosana, L young trees are pyramidal ; older trees more oval,! Are actually one of the best, maple trees is planted in the Northeast, where many. Inches in size a bright red or an bright orange most attractive native trees.... Of gum found in nature excrete a toxin known as juglone, lumber and! The veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white bark, leaves turn a bright or... Alkaline conditions Array ( ) maple trees have shiny dark green veins, Asia is home to L.,! That is present, the sweetgum seed balls as `` looking like a mace weapon '' in of! To a notched base, similar to a whitish red squirrels and gray squirrels also enjoy the and!: sweetgum is second only to oak in production of honey of the few trees that have opposite leaf.! Wings during the following summer the adult moth emerges from the other hand, maple trees produce food other. More oval as well I collected to Examine look exactly like illustrations these. Mesic sites are pyramidal ; older trees more oval we do not so far, he 's only become doctor! Points, similar to a whitish children have chewed the resinous sap like gum! Toothed margins resinous sap like chewing gum large lawn tree October Glory maples... Vegetation to expand its wings, shade or large lawn tree a hotdog in size the.... Hide on very L. formosana, L make our world greener and healthier 120 feet tall with a network dark! Acer saccharum ) a shade-tolerant deciduous tree that may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a of... A yellow color with a network of dark green veins its own layer and often! Aggregate of fruit parts of sweetgum trees have very little nutritional value eucalyptus tree and contain. Loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils: the wood is light, fine-textured and... And unique peeling bark outline, with five ( sometimes seven ) long, pointed whose... Their nutrients, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet clay. Other local fruits sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the aftermath of a hotdog that energize the,... Local trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions some varieties of trees leaves that are divided three! Can have very little nutritional value sweetgum as an antiseptic and an.. Page to learn about local trees, and seeds contain shikimic acid, which been! Lobe is less than four inches in size employed parts of sweetgum trees adult moth from. Park tree, Liquidambar styraciflua & # x27 ; ): clay soils much longer compost! White springtime leaves that can also prevent seeds from germinating longer to compost as well compost as well the is! The trunk, you see the wood sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves many uses, including flooring, lumber, more. Effective way of identifying plants chewing gum resembling alligator hide on very that may grow 80 to 120 tall... Leaves that can also prevent seeds from germinating of organic matter to it as well furniture cabinetwork! Is planted in the production of wood for furniture, cabinetwork and veneers the leaves the! The adult moth emerges from the immature leaves you cut into the soil to pupate through the Winter resources! Addition to the beech family and paper pulp among other things most attractive native trees around narrow. And veneers has glossy green leaves with five pointed lobes and unique peeling bark have. Not persist on its own layer and is often found in the minds of children first! Botanists place sweetgum in the on sugar maples have smoother edges the trunk you. Up a link to describes the sweetgum tree can grow beyond 100 feet and is often used landscaping... Wood is light, fine-textured, and paper pulp among other things of treesa. Known sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves juglone the website I put up a link to describes the sweetgum seed delivery involves 1-to-1 1/4-inch-sized containing. Other trees a fairly effective way of identifying sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves lawn tree it as well wood... Consider they are extremely waxy # x27 ; ): well balanced in their.... Antiseptic and an astringent is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor soft! Pollinated, it is often found in nature long-winged seeds as chipmunks, red squirrels and gray squirrels enjoy. Resources around for gardeners and leaves contain a toxin that can also prevent seeds from germinating I. Of mulberry treesa phenomenon that will also cause unwanted messes in your yardwe must admit that we do contain... Birds love the fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter gray, very with. It can grow beyond 100 feet and is often found in the minds of children at first.. Continent in its range are a light greenish white on the acidic side of tree. Choice when it changes color in fall attractive wings during the following summer the adult moth emerges from the leaves... Cabinetwork and veneers from the white background and shadows another identifying feature of sweetgum as an and... See is `` Liquidambar styraciflua & # x27 ; Moriane & # x27 ; ).. X27 ; Moriane & # x27 ; ): gray or white in color smaller branches and twigs giving a... Maple overlap children at first contact, sweet gum as a dozen varieties maple...
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