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. There are two Sweetgum trees in my backyard, Liquidambar Styraciflua. If you are looking for a large, long-lived yard tree, both maple and sweetgum are good choices. //specify random images below. A study of the Chinese sweetgum, Liquidambar formosana, suggests they are also efficient contributors to carbon sink because they retain high photosynthetic activity even as their leaves begin to drop. 12 April 2007. Several varieties, including the black maple and the canyon maple, Acer grandidentatum, contain sweet sap that can be converted to sugar or syrup, in addition to the sap of the well-known Acer saccharum, or sugar maple. Liquidambars are well known for developing a lot of surface roots. Autumn is here, and that means there will soon be leaves littering the ground. In fact, it is one of the most pH-tolerant of all trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions. Maple trees commonly have leaves with pointed lobes and with deep indentations between the lobes. Twigs: Most Red Maple twigs appear to be slender and glossy. 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. Lingbeck, Jody M., et al. Sweetgum tree bark looks light gray with vertical fissured ridges. There are some varieties of trees leaves that can still be composted, but should be used only in moderation. document.write('') It will seem as though every leaf on the tree counted to three and then let go, all at once. These trees typically have a straight trunk with the branches extending outward at right angles. 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. They are vigorous shade trees from the southeastern United States with star-shaped leaves that smell sweetly resinous if scratched. Mississippi State University Extension Service. Its shape is pyramidal, becoming more rounded with age. lol, the website I put up a link to describes the sweetgum seed balls as "looking like a mace weapon". Updated: 00/04/25 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. You can also rub the leaf in question between your fingers (as long as youre sure its not poison ivy ;-)) and then smell your hands. Sweetgum trees are found in parts of Asia and in the Americas. Examine the leaves of the tree. Except for the difference in their seeds that noki pointed out they do appear to have some similarities thanks to a similar leaf shape and excellent fall color. With their thin walls, fruit tree leaves also break down extremely fast. Female oak flowers are relatively small and . View Map. The sweet gum tree, also known as American red gum, is a beautiful tree with maple-like leaves that turn spectacular shades of purple, crimson, orange and yellow in autumn. Have you wondered why a tree would produce sticky or gummy resin? 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. Black gum trees are a little smaller, reaching a full height of only 30-50 feet, according to the University of Kentucky. Because lignin levels are crucial when it comes to how fast your compost pile will break down. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. Mo, Th, Fr, Sa: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. It also has a low value, making it an economical choice. Our Sweet Gum tree is located on the edge of Bayne Park along North Balph Avenue near the flagpole. Most maple trees are between 30 and 150 feet tall, with flowers that are yellow, orange, red, or green. When left to grow to their heart's content, sweetgum and water gum trees will reach a height of up to 130 feet. Leaves of Plants Pictogram Set Pictograms Tree Leaves, Dogrose, Oak, Iberian Oak, Maple, Liquidambar, Hawthorn, Poplar Silver, Hazel, Elm, Birch, Linden, Rowan, Chestnut, Buckeye, Viburnum . Sweetgums love water. Native to North America; common in floodplains and along rivers. Hard to tell which Maple from the immature leaves. on Sawmills and Milling, Started by texbob As for surface roots: Ours are almost 30 years old and, yes, there are some, but not awful, and the grass grows there. Maple leaves have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which of course, are both perfect for plants, and a compost pile. The genus name Liquidambar refers to the fact that the tree produces a resinous sap. Southern nicknames for sweetgum include red gum and alligator wood. Photosynthetic Capacity of Senescent Leaves for a Subtropical Broadleaf Deciduous Tree Species Liquidambar Formosana Hance.Scientific Reports, vol. 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. Sweetgum seeds have been studied for anticonvulsant effects, and storax has been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer. Sycamore, yellow-poplar, and sweet gum trees share a similar broadleaf structure. The star-like leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns from green in summer to yellow or purple in autumn. Leaves turn yellow-purple-red in the fall, and stay on the tree quite late. Each leaf is on its own layer and is easily separated from the other leaves and from the white background and shadows. It certainly has its place, though. For a while I thought some of the saplings growing beneath them were either Red or Silver/White Maple, only to discover that they were Sweetgum. Cat; 2007 Wood-Mizer EG200 Twin Blade Edger; Woodmaster 718 Molder/Planer; Stihl MS460 and MS362 Chainsaws; 2011 John Deere 5065 with JD 553 Loader. "Liquidambar Styraciflua." They range in color from green to yellow to deep red. This article may contain affiliate links. The two main categories of leaf arrangement are alternate or opposite. They also all have lower levels of lignin. Like oak trees, beech trees also have a higher level of lignin. Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. "The american sweetgum we generally see is "Liquidambar Styraciflua" to scientists. Grows 60'-70', with a 45' spread. CREATIVE. The North American sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a member of the witch-hazel, or Hamamelieaceae, family. What trees have leaves that look like maple leaves? In severe chlorosis even the veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white. This autumn foliage has tinier and feather-like leaves, unlike the leaves of maple or sweet gum trees. Because of this, they can take much longer to break down when used in large quantities. Its weak wood is prone to breaking during severe weather, and the female trees also drop messy seeds. Leaves: The sweetgum typically has large leaves with five pointed lobes and the edges of the leaves are toothed. 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. When you take any plant identification class you will learn about the concept of leaf arrangement, the way leaves are situated on the plant. American sweetgum seeds are eaten by eastern goldfinches, purple finches, sparrows, mourning doves, northern bobwhites and wild turkeys. This tree is often overlooked in the world of deer hunting. It is only in winter, after the tree's greenery has been . https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/tag/commonly-confused/. However, sweet gum is not the only type of gum found in nature. During Autumn, leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange. Maples have samoras, flat wingshaped seeds that many people call "helicopter" seeds, cause of the way they drop thru the air. Bark is brown to gray, very rough with . It is often used in landscaping and in the production of honey. The base of the leaf is slightly asymmetrical. Maple Leaves. They can also be found scattered on the ground once they have dried and fallen. The thin skins of maple leaves also shred easily and break down quickly in a compost pile. Also called star-leaved gum, gumtree, and alligator-wood, this moderately-sized deciduous tree is common in the eastern United States, and can be found in small numbers in Mexico and as far south as Nicaragua. //specify random images below. Most of the Red Maple leaves are a light or a pale green to a whitish. Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. You'll find this hardwood in a variety of environments, but it thrives in the moist soils of lower lands and poorly-drained areas, and can also be found in mixed woodlands. How do I perform a reduction cut on the trunk where branches are thin? ry=1 You can see that especially well in the picture above. These leaves are small, and will easily . Are a Sycamore & a Cottonwood the Same Tree. A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. It produces small, insignificant green flowers in spring, these may be followed by burr-like fruits. If you look upwards and see layer upon layer of vibrant green suspended stars you may have found a Sweet Gum Tree, scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua. Deep, glossy green star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum. Luo, Zidong, et al. ry=1 Otherwise, these close cousins are similar except for leaf shape. Started by livemusic L. styraciflua is a deciduous tree to 20m tall, broadly conical in outline, with rather glossy, maple-like, 5 to 7-lobed leaves which turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in autumn. They are deep, glossy green in summer and turn yellow to purple-red in the fall. The deciduous leaves are maplelike in outline, with five pointed lobes and lightly toothed margins. mexicana. Tu, We: 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Silver Maple ( Acer saccharinum) A maple with deeply-lobed leaves, named for the silvery color of the backside of its leaves. Black gum or sour gum tree facts can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. myimages[1]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" The leaves of a sweetgum tree have five points and are shaped like a star. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services for all tree species . //-->. As with hackberry, most people saddled with this garbage tree live with it because no other trees will grow there. For those who are starting to learn about tree identification, books that focus on the trees you are most likely to see in the environment around you are the most effective. Some species of maple have reddish-purple bark; it has distinct ridges and is hard to distinguish from the trees branches. The cone-shaped crown becomes rounded as the tree matures. The sap from a maple tree is sticky and can be used to make ink; it also has a strong sugar content. Deep, glossy green star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. Maple varieties are far more territorial. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and lack teeth. 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. Sunflowers. lucky_p just because its common, opportunist and you just don't like it doesn't mean its a bad tree for the rest of us. Friday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. During the following summer the adult moth emerges from the ground, climbing nearby vegetation to expand its wings. 1. Growing sweet gum tree: Transplant when young -- the sweet gum resents root disturbance when it matures. I can't think of a messier tree. During the fall, the leaves change colors from a deep green to many different shades of orange, brown, and red. The sweet gum tree is often planted as an ornamental tree. Avoid polluted sites. I would not plan on planting flowers or shrubs under them, however. The yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the tallest eastern hardwood tree. The Oriental sweet gum thrives in USDA zones 7 - 9 and grows between 20 and 30 ft. (6 - 10 m) tall. Both are relatively low in vulnerability to disease. Each leaf blade has three lobes, with a broad, triangular lobe in the center. Red Flowering Gum Tree, named for its scarlet red . Learn how different trees grow through the seasons, obtain tips on tree identification, and gain an understanding of how vital trees are to the environment. Posted: February 20, 2019. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site in New York generously donated a grove of forty Sweet Gum trees to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to commemorate the lives of the forty passengers and crew members of United Flight 93. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: C. Colston Burrell Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree removal service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Sweet gum tree is a tall, majestic tree that's difficult to beat for symmetrical beauty in a landscape setting. When it comes to the best of the best, maple leaves are certainly at the top of the list. Although native to eastern North America, it is widely planted throughout the continent in its range. ' North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Maple species (Acer spp.) The auto-rotation characteristic of samaras' fall has stimulated many children and occasional adults to explore its adaptation to aviation. The leaves of a sweetgum tree are dark green. The more lignin that is present, the harder it is to break down the material. When composting the varieties below, try to keep your piles make-up at no more than 10 to 15% of these types of leaves: With their thick, shiny outer layer, oak leaves are extremely slow in decomposing. Maple Leaves. Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color. Gum Tree Species: List of Different Types of Gum Trees. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are attracted by the sweet sap, evidence of their visitation can be noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk. They have five to seven lobes and are 4 to 8 inches long and wide with serrate margins. Elm leaves alternate along two sides of the stem. . Sweetgum: An Ancient Source of Beneficial Compounds with Modern Benefits.Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. The leaves are star-shaped and sometimes confused with maple leaves, but careful examination shows the difference. If that wasnt enough, the leaves of black walnut trees contain ingredients that can also prevent seeds from germinating. Not only are they bountiful, they are loaded with nutrients. The leaf is oval in shape and comes to a point at the end. The bark is grayish brown and deeply furrowed. Alice Slusher Replied September 07, 2015, 12:59 PM EDT. Maple samaras are more easily trod on, flat-winged pods each containing a single-seed fruit. The leaves of all fruit trees are another great choice for composting. It can be found throughout most of the United States as a forest tree in the Southeast and an ornamental in gardens and cities. imagelinks[4]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" They also produce delicious sweets that humans enjoy!. i don't read where lucky said directly that it is a bad tree for you -just a bad one for him. Leaf Shape: Slender with a pointed tip. But maple leaves also have another big advantage for compost piles in that they are extremely low in lignin. Sweetgum is a deciduous tree that may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or more. Latin Name Acer then something or other. Black gum, also called black tupelo, is a tall tree with horizontal branches and a flat-topped crown. You can also note that the underside of red maple leaves are much lighter in color, almost white, compared to the underside of sweetgum leaves. Ca. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, birds, or animals. Are they the same family? Hence, the longer it will take to break down in a compost pile. NC State Extension. The straight trunk of a sweet gum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges. //-->,