With star-shaped leaves and a brilliant fall display of red, orange, and purple, Sweetgum is a showstopper in autumn. It grows 60–80 feet tall as a stately, upright tree with corky bark and spiny seed balls that dangle like ornaments.

Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to a variety of conditions. It’s long-lived and low-maintenance, though seed balls can be messy in high-traffic areas.

Best suited for large landscapes, parks, or naturalized plantings where its size and spreading roots have room to shine. Its bold structure and fall color make it a striking specimen or shade tree.

Native to the southeastern U.S., from Connecticut to Florida and west to Illinois and Texas, commonly found in bottomlands, moist woods, and along streams.

Emerges in spring with bright green, glossy leaves that cast deep shade through summer. In fall, foliage turns brilliantly multicolored, and spiky seed balls persist into winter for added texture.

Seeds feed birds and small mammals, while cavities in older trees offer shelter to wildlife. Its flowers provide nectar for early pollinators, and the tree hosts several native moth larvae, including Luna moths.