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Magnoliopsida
Liquidambar styraciflua L.
EOL Text
The native Sweet Gum is occasional in southern Illinois, otherwise it is largely absent from natural areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the NW range-limit for this tree; it common in many areas of southeastern United States. Habitats consist of depressions in upland woodlands, bottomland woodlands, riverbanks, drier areas of swamps, shaded gravelly seeps, and abandoned fields. Sweet Gum requires occasional disturbance to create openings in wooded areas that it can colonize. Otherwise, it is replaced by more shade-tolerant trees. Sweet Gum is often cultivated as a landscape tree in yards and parks.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Copyright © 2002-2014 by Dr. John Hilty |
Source | http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/sweet_gum.html |
The native Sweet Gum is occasional in southern Illinois, otherwise it is largely absent from natural areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the NW range-limit for this tree; it common in many areas of southeastern United States. Habitats consist of depressions in upland woodlands, bottomland woodlands, riverbanks, drier areas of swamps, shaded gravelly seeps, and abandoned fields. Sweet Gum requires occasional disturbance to create openings in wooded areas that it can colonize. Otherwise, it is replaced by more shade-tolerant trees. Sweet Gum is often cultivated as a landscape tree in yards and parks.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Copyright © 2002-2014 by Dr. John Hilty |
Source | http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/sweet_gum.html |
Compared to other trees, very few insects appear to feed on Sweet Gum. The caterpillars of the moths Actias luna (Luna Moth) and Paectes abrostoloides (Large Paectes) feed on the leaves of this tree, while larvae of the bark beetle Pityophthorus liquidambarus infest damaged or dead trees. The seeds are a source of food to some songbirds during the fall or winter
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Copyright © 2002-2014 by Dr. John Hilty |
Source | http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/sweet_gum.html |
The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile soil containing loam or clay-loam. Alkaline soil can cause difficulty in absorbing iron and other nutrients, therefore it should be avoided. Occasional flooding is tolerated if it is relatively short in duration. Seedheads are produced on trees about 25 years old and annually thereafter. The biggest drawback in cultivating this tree is the abundance of spiky seedheads that fall to the ground from autumn to spring. In addition to their unsightly appearance, they are difficult to walk on and require additional labor to remove.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Copyright © 2002-2014 by Dr. John Hilty |
Source | http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/sweet_gum.html |