Potted American Sweetgum (10-16")(Liquidambar Styraciflua)

Potted American Sweetgum
 
The American sweetgum—with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit and twigs with unique corky growths called wings—is an attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses and large yards across the country.

If you’ve got the space and are looking to add some fall color, this tree is a sure bet. The glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red and purple in the autumn.
 
The American Sweetgum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9.
 
This is a shade tree, featuring a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight.
 
The American Sweetgum grows to a height of 60–75' and a spread of 40–50' at maturity.
This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
 
Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
 
The American Sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It has moderate drought tolerance.
 
This tree: 
Features star-shaped leaves with 5 lobes (occasionally 7) that are lustrous medium green in color, toothed along the margins and 4–7½" in length.
 
Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple.
Yields long-stemmed, woody, burr-like fruit that is approximately 1½" in diameter.
 
Grows in a pyramidal shape, becoming more oval or rounded with age.
 
Needs plenty of space for root development.
 
Does not tolerate pollution.
 
American Sweetgum seeds are eaten by eastern goldfinches, purple finches, sparrows, mourning doves, northern bobwhites and wild turkeys. Small mammals such as chipmunks, red squirrels and gray squirrels also enjoy the fruits and seeds.