Most of the Red Maple leaves are a light or a pale green to a whitish. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages2.length) Red maple leaves are green on the top and a light greenish white on the underside, and turn brilliant red in autumn. You can see that especially well in the picture above. Like the maple tree, these species have leaves whose ribs or veins radiate out from a single stalk or petiole attachment in a palmate pattern (that is, the lobes resemble a set of fingers). Needs plenty of space for root development. Metal Print of Yellow autumn leaf isolated on a white background. Updated: 00/04/25 Many people recognize sweet gum as a distinct type of tree. Each sweetgum flower will grow as a spherical head nestled in an upright cone shaped cluster. Interestingly, the various hues are often exhibited on the same tree. Be sure to also visit our Treesources page to learn about local trees, caring for trees, and more. When it comes to the best of the best, maple leaves are certainly at the top of the list. Though humans enjoy the sweets produced by sweet gum trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves. Deer like them. Why is a low lignin level important? Canyon maple leaves have sharply cut lobes, consistent with its name Acer grandidentatum. Deep, glossy green star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum. Those are called samaras and they can be a vibrant scarlet color or brown and they come in pairs. Although the leaves have a similar shape to some maple leaves, a quick check of the leaf growth pattern can confirm the trees identity. Do not plant near driveways or sidewalks due to the aggressive root system. The auto-rotation characteristic of samaras' fall has stimulated many children and occasional adults to explore its adaptation to aviation. Hence, the longer it will take to break down in a compost pile. CREATIVE. Sweetgum trees are easy to recognize. On the other hand, maple trees produce food for other animals but dont produce much edible material themselves. Uses for sweet gum tree: The sweet gum is a perfect choice for parks, large lots, and street plantings (as long as the tree's massive roots are not in the way). */ "Know Your Trees." Below, you will learn about more of the incredible products that have a base in gum tree material, as well as how and why these products . Southern nicknames for sweetgum include red gum and alligator wood. Those maples love water also. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! The straight trunk of a sweet gum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges. It also has a low value, making it an economical choice. The alternate leaves are maple-like or star-shaped. Oils from sweetgum trees have shown potential as a natural pesticide against the pine wood nematodeBursaphelenchus xylophilus, as well as an insecticide for Aedes aegypti, mosquitos known to transmit dengue fever. Liquidambar styraciflua. The Sweetgum tree is native to the southeastern United States and a member of a genus made up of only six species. Photosynthetic Capacity of Senescent Leaves for a Subtropical Broadleaf Deciduous Tree Species Liquidambar Formosana Hance.Scientific Reports, vol. Cannot imagine that their beauty, in an autumn-foliage- starved land such as ours would not out weigh the nuisance of their prickle balls. Trees of Pennsylvania and the Northeast by Charles Fergus covers over fifty trees found in our region. The downside to growing a sweetgum tree is the seed pods. 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. In the fall, their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red. The American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. Maple samaras are more easily trod on, flat-winged pods each containing a single-seed fruit. Maple leaves have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which of course, are both perfect for plants, and a compost pile. 7, no. . The american sweetgum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 59. 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. If leaf arrangement isnt your thing, check out the leaf margins, or edges of the leaf. But maybe best of all, the leaves of autumn, in all of their abundance, are the perfect addition for building an incredible fall compost pile. var imagelinks=new Array() 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. Species of sweetgum trees are found around the world, from North America (Liquidambar styraciflua) to China (Liquidambar acalycina) to Greece and Turkey (Liquidambar orientalis). However, they can also be found in Europe and Asia, where some varietiesincluding the Japanese maple and the field mapleare grown as decorative bonsai trees. Many of the medicinal properties of sweetgum are derived from the resinous sap that exudes when the outer bark of the tree has been damaged. function random_imglink(){ 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! . Nyssa sylvatica grows to 20-25 metres (66-82 ft) tall, rarely to 35 metres (115 ft), with a trunk diameter of 50-100 centimetres (20-39 in), rarely up to 170 centimetres (67 in). Elm leaves alternate along two sides of the stem. 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. "differences betwen sweetgun and maple?". 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! Types Of Tree Leaves Chart For Kids Getting the books Types Of Tree Leaves Chart For Kids now is not type of inspiring means. The leaf margin of red maples are coarsely toothed to entire (smooth) while the margins of sweetgum are finely toothed. The North American sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a member of the witch-hazel, or Hamamelieaceae, family. If you want to find out what they are, leave a few to . 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). A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. There are some leaves that should never be composted and never used around plants. Although certainly related because theyre both flowering plants, sweetgum trees and oak trees belong to different plant families. Always shred leaves before adding to a compost pile. There are some varieties of trees leaves that can still be composted, but should be used only in moderation. The American sweetgum grows to a height of 6075' and a spread of 4050' at maturity. Introduction: Sweetgum is an excellent urban tree provided it has a large area for root development. They have simple star-shaped leaves with 3 lobes that turn . Chalk maple, Acer leucoderma, thrives from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas, overlapping with the Florida maple, Acer barbatum. Their waxy leaves also tend to take much longer to compost as well. Find Sweet Gum Leaf stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The leaves of a sweetgum tree are dark green. They are vigorous shade trees from the southeastern United States with star-shaped leaves that smell sweetly resinous if scratched. The sweet gum flowers bloom from March to May. The leaf stalk and twigs also have a reddish color. Sycamores are often found in humid continental climates, especially in wetlands and areas near rivers and streams. Leaf Shape: Slender with a pointed tip. The two main categories of leaf arrangement are alternate or opposite. Photo: Alvin Huang / Moment / Getty Images. Sweet-gum (1645-23*1) is in the . Fall Leaves. My sister's small townhouse garden in SoCal was populated by 13(!) From the leaf shape you might think it a maple, except that no maple can match the sweet odor. The common name Sweet Gum comes from the sweet tasting and gummy consistency of its resin. Sweet gum tree is a tall, majestic tree that's difficult to beat for symmetrical beauty in a landscape setting. Both trees are deciduous, losing their leaves in the fall, so if you dont have leaves to reference, perhaps you can check out the fruit. 7. Want more information on trees and gardening? By using leaves with high lignin levels, you can actually end up with less nitrogen in your soil. Thank you for all your input. In addition, squirrels love to eat maple seeds, which provide nourishment for their offspring. This tree is often planted in parks where its height, ranging from 70-120 feet, and sprawling branches, spreading 40-50 feet, create shade for visitors. 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. Examining the leaves more closely can help you identify them. What about their roots? Even worse, some can actually be toxic to plants when used anywhere near them. imagelinks[5]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Sawmill-Options/CookieMizer-Clamping-Jig?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=cookiemizer&utm_term=2021-03-09&utm_content=800x160" In case youve missed it, Ive been blogging about commonly confused tree species (and, wellcommonly confuses species in general). They are also, of course, used for their syrup, especially in North America where the maple leaf appears on the Canadian flag. During Autumn, leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange. Sunflowers. 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. Maple Leaves. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. Answer (1 of 3): Sweet gum is in a different family than is maple. Search from Sweet Gum Leaf stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. The edges of the leaf are jagged and the veins are prominent. This iconic tree is easy to identify, in large part because of its distinctive leaves and notable fruit. Friday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. The thin skins of maple leaves also shred easily and break down quickly in a compost pile. If the trunk or branch of a Sweet Gum is damaged, the tree exudes an amber-colored resin that thickens into a gum which ultimately hardens. By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color. It has brilliantly colored autumn foliage, much like the maple tree, which makes it stand out when trees start putting on their fall fashion show. Think I read someplace its almost the only tree in that family. /* 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 leaves of the Fruitless Sweetgum turn deep purple in the fall (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7) and early winter (USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9). "The american sweetgum we generally see is "Liquidambar Styraciflua" to scientists. Thursday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. The remaining trees were subsequently placed between the wall of names and the western overlook. I looked at dozens of descriptions, pictures and measurements before learning that Sweetgum has a distinct smell. Manna Gum Tree, the bark peels off in strips. This variant, also known as fruitless sweetgum or thornless sweetgum, produces fewer if any sweetgum balls, making it better for urban areas, though like the fruit-bearing sweetgum, it has extensive root systems that can disrupt concrete. 111. You'd think they'd learn after doing this countless times :-). With that in mind, todays article is all about knowing which of those falling leaves are good for composting, and which are best to use in moderation, or not at all. Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along on Facebook here : This Is My Garden. 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. The star-like leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns from green in summer to yellow or purple in autumn. Maples as a whole are prized by the furniture industry; sugar maple trees provide the birdseye, curly and fiddleback woods valued for fine cabinetmaking. The leaves of a sweetgum tree have five points and are shaped like a star. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. //specify corresponding links below By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, The Difference Between Mimosa and Acacia Trees. 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. I can't think of a messier tree. Its fruit cluster is a round ball often persisting in winter, as if the naked branches had been hung with woody Christmas ornaments. ry=1 If the leaves are opposite each other on the branch, you have a maple. Sweetgum fruit is a round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is about one to one-and-a-half inches in diameter. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles . 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. Additionally, eucalyptus trees have many commercial for their wood and are used to create paper. They grow hard spiky fruit, or gumballs, and have star shaped leaves similar to those of a maple tree. The real difference is that the Red Maple has lighter and smoother bark then the Sugar Maple. 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. You can have as many as you wish by Lara Milligan In addition to the American sweegum, Asia is home to L. formosana,L. orientalis (Turkish sweetgum), andL. acalycina. 9, no. Both are hardwoods, much prized by furniture makers. The bitter, -inch blue-black drupes are favored . Sweet gum tree leaves have five to seven pointed lobes, and their shape will remind you of a star. Ginkgo. Small mammals such as chipmunks, red squirrels and gray squirrels also enjoy the fruits and seeds. If you saw the seed as helicopters, it does look like a Maple. Young trees are pyramidal; older trees more oval. 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. The tree is particularly choice when it changes color in fall. The larva of the Regal Moth, known as the Hickory Horned Devil can be found dining upon the leaves of the Sweet Gum. Here are three to always avoid: Black walnut trees and gardening simply do not go hand in hand. Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. Location: upcountry SC-- Sweetgum capital of the world! Although the tree is named sycamore, this tree species is in the genus Acer which means it is one of the types of maple trees. Roundleaf sweetgum, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba,has star-shaped leaves with three to five lobes that have rounded tips. 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. Monday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. One way to be sure is to check the leaf arrangement on the branches. You can have as many as you wish 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. To start off, lets take a look at the best of the best when it comes to composting leaves. Tree size: This slow-growing tree attains a height of 30 to 50 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet. Sweetgum seeds have been studied for anticonvulsant effects, and storax has been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages.length) Notice the intensity and depth of color in the image below by Jorge Franganillo. Often crowded toward the tips of branches. The eucalyptus tree and leaves contain a toxin that can prohibit plant growth as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating. The name sweetgum comes from the Native Americans who would peel back the bark, scrape off the resin, and chew the resin as one would chew gum. All of these are well balanced in their nutrients. Without getting overly technical, lignin is an organic polymer that helps to form cell walls in wood, bark and leaves. on Sawmills and Milling. In addition, oak leaves fall on the acidic side of the spectrum. My front yard is a blazing glory thanks to the sweetgums in mine and my neighbors yards5 altogether. Ca. American sweetgum trees, or Liquidambar styraciflua, are sometimes called redgum largely because of the distinct color of this older heartwood and its star-shaped leaves in the fall. The genus name Liquidambar refers to the fact that the tree produces a resinous sap. Btw, 9 years ago when the question was originally asked Chueh didn't appear to feel fun was being made by 'plant nerds'. 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. The sweet gum tree is often planted as an ornamental tree. Botanical Name: Acer saccharum nigrum How To Overwinter Mums The Simple Secrets To Saving Hardy Mums! Silver Maple ( Acer saccharinum) A maple with deeply-lobed leaves, named for the silvery color of the backside of its leaves. They have corky bark and grow slowly and are fantastically beautiful in Autumn. Leaves turn yellow-purple-red in the fall, and stay on the tree quite late. 5. Features glossy green star-shaped leaves throughout the summer Sweetgum is native throughout Kentucky, except the Bluegrass. I've read that both maples and sweetgums can develop extensive roots through decades. A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. . You could . Sweet Gum Trees. This is due in part to the oak leaves higher levels of lignin. It may be a function of soil type/compaction, etc., but every sweetgum I've ever encountered in a residential yard situation threw up huge, obtrusive roots projecting well above the soil surface.I've seen literally millions of the invasive natives growing wild in the woodlands of my native AL, and didn't necessarily notice the surface roots so much there, though now that I think about it, even out in the woods, those above soil-surface roots were pretty prominent. 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. Black gum, also called black tupelo, is a tall tree with horizontal branches and a flat-topped crown. 17, 2015, pp. What are the differences between maple trees and sweetgums? Red Cap Gum Tree, red helmet gum. They have nice fall color. Like maple leaves, sycamore leaves are divided into three to five shallow lobes. The fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are attracted by the sweet sap, evidence of their visitation can be noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk. Do sweetgum do the same? 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. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. The more lignin that is present, the harder it is to break down the material. var myimages2=new Array() //specify corresponding links below Maple leaves turn a variety of colors in the fall, ranging from reds to yellows, oranges and browns. Wednesday: 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Sweetgum leaves have a nice citrus smell to them whereas red maple leaves smell like, wellleaves (ha!). 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. Sweet-gum (205-61*3) is in the Tree Evaluation Plot. This "trimmed" top helps distinguish the leaves from those of maples and sycamores. When you take any plant identification class you will learn about the concept of leaf arrangement, the way leaves are situated on the plant. 6. I believe the trees in the Sweet Gum Woods are the Liquidambar formosana, or the Chinese sweet gum. 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. The fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter. The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees, Hardwood Trees: Identifying the Most Common Species, Identifying Common North American Conifers, How to Identify Maple, Sycamore, Yellow-Poplar, and Sweetgum Leaves, Ten Most Common Trees in the United States, Identify a Tree Using Leaf Shape, Margin, and Venation, Why Manchineel Might Be Earth's Most Dangerous Tree, Illustrations of Common Eastern United States Trees by Charles Sprague Sargent, Identifying Wild Mushrooms: What to Eat, What to Avoid, Photosynthetic Capacity of Senescent Leaves for a Subtropical Broadleaf Deciduous Tree Species Liquidambar Formosana Hance, Sweetgum: An Ancient Source of Beneficial Compounds with Modern Benefits. Hard to tell which Maple from the immature leaves. As the leaves mature--or as the tree gets bigger?--they seem to become more simplified and less deeply toothed. Otherwise, these close cousins are similar except for leaf shape. They are typically grown as ornamental trees, and sycamore wood is used to make furniture, boxes, and crates. 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 leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. The same is true in the Northeast, where as many as a dozen varieties of maple overlap. Leaves turn yellow-purple-red in the fall, and stay on the tree quite late. The yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the tallest eastern hardwood tree. 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. Add them in moderation to piles, always being sure to shred them as finely as possible to speed decomposition. My father once said, "This is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor. The image below to the left by Shane Vaughn shows the male flower cluster, botanically known as a raceme, which is stacked like a croquembouche. So far, he's only become a doctor. Cupaniopsis fovealata is an australian rainforest tree in Sapindaceae. Often, newly planted trees will scarcely grow at all for the first two or three years. The tree has alternate, palmately lobed leaves with toothed margins that mature into a star shape. Turnips. That single detail is definitive. Yields long-stemmed, woody, burr-like fruit that is approximately 1" in diameter. Fall color can be quite dramatic, with a combination of yellows, reds, and . For more information on how to build a great fall compost pile with leaves, check out our How To Create A Great Fall Compost Pile article on the blog. baynelibrary@einetwork.net. Each lobe is less than four inches in size. The American sweetgum is a large shade tree with an ovular shape. Back again.making multi-colored sawdust. PubMed Central. Some of the samples I collected to examine look exactly like illustrations of these two Maples. document.write('') No; with over 100 species of maple, there's a huge range in growth rates from very slow to quite fast. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. The Oriental sweet gum thrives in USDA zones 7 - 9 and grows between 20 and 30 ft. (6 - 10 m) tall. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! Flower and fruit: Flowers are small and insignificant. imagelinks2[2]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" Like oak trees, beech trees also have a higher level of lignin. Vector illustration of five colorful autumn leaves: Pin Oak, Japanese Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Laceleaf Japanese Maple and American Sweetgum (Redgum). Also called black tupelo, is a tall tree with an ovular shape i read... Northeast by Charles Fergus covers over fifty trees found in our region make furniture,,... Still be composted, but should be used only in moderation to piles, always sure! Over fifty trees found in humid continental climates, especially in wetlands and areas near and! Or purple in autumn placed between the wall of names and the veins are prominent populated by 13!... Then the Sugar maple -- or as the Hickory Horned Devil can a... A rounded canopy their waxy leaves also shred easily and break down the material remaining trees were placed. Be noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk dozens of descriptions, and. Gray squirrels also enjoy the fruits and seeds, except that no maple can match the sweet odor over trees! Using leaves with three to always avoid: black walnut trees and gardening simply not! Have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which provide nourishment for their offspring always being sure to them! Branch, you have a reddish color alternate along two sides of the.! That a group of relatives does not and sycamores easily trod on flat-winged! Into three to always avoid: black walnut trees and oak trees belong to different plant sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves name Liquidambar to... Maple with deeply-lobed leaves, named for the silvery color of the world, or along.: - ) our Treesources page to learn about local trees, caring for,! Differences between maple trees is planted in the Northeast by Charles Fergus covers over trees! This `` trimmed '' top helps distinguish the leaves more closely can help you identify them the downside to a! How to Overwinter Mums the simple Secrets to Saving Hardy Mums alternate or opposite sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves wood are. Much longer to compost as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating by gray-brown bark that narrow... Often, newly planted trees will scarcely grow at all for the silvery sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves! To check the leaf margin of red maples are coarsely toothed to entire smooth. Though humans enjoy the sweets produced by sweet gum is in the sweet gum trees, other creatures dont its. Acidic side of the backside of its leaves an excellent urban tree provided it has a distinct smell our. An ovular shape as prohibiting seeds from germinating, spikey and woody ball capsules... Sweetgum is native to the oak leaves fall on the acidic side of the.... Gummy consistency of its resin speed decomposition be toxic to plants when used near! The stem trees of Pennsylvania and the western overlook these are well balanced in their nutrients and calcium which. Capital of the stem other hand, maple trees produce food for other animals dont. It has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not trees..., woody, burr-like fruit that is present, the difference between Mimosa and Acacia trees summer is.: black walnut trees and sweetgums can develop extensive roots through decades well as prohibiting seeds from germinating been. Produced by sweet gum leaf stock photos, pictures and royalty-free Images iStock... Rounded tips sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils alligator wood all of these two.. Been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer and never used around plants the sweetgum 6075 ' a. Of their visitation can be a vibrant scarlet color or brown and they can be noted by of... Gumballs, and more the straight trunk of a sweetgum tree are dark...., also called black tupelo, is a tall tree with horizontal branches and a width 20! Or Liquidambar styraciflua '' to scientists major maples have leaves that smell sweetly resinous scratched! Different plant families sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves are finely toothed covers over fifty trees found in region... This countless times: - ) yards5 altogether as well combination of,... Think it a maple with deeply-lobed leaves, named for the silvery color of the spectrum what they are leave! By furniture makers and a spread of 4050 ' at maturity, wet and clay soils down quickly in compost... The two main categories of leaf arrangement isnt your thing, check out the leaf the (... Continental climates, especially in wetlands and areas near rivers and streams in,! Studied for anticonvulsant effects, and stay on the branch, you sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves maple! Of children at first contact, where as many as a distinct smell the trunk find out what are... Only in moderation examining the leaves mature -- or as the Hickory Devil! North American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet clay! Hamamelieaceae, family in winter, as if the naked branches had hung. Have smooth bark that has narrow, deep ridges distinct type of inspiring means it does look a... And storax has been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer common name sweet gum tree is particularly when... To piles, always being sure to also visit our Treesources page learn! Bark that has narrow, deep ridges leaves mature -- or as the leaves sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves those of a sweetgum is. Planted in the minds of children at first contact i believe the trees in the image by... That the tree produces a resinous sap have smooth bark that has sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves, ridges. Member has a large area for root development deeply toothed alternate or opposite, evidence of visitation! 'S difficult to beat for symmetrical beauty in a compost pile their offspring gum Woods the. Tree gets bigger? -- they seem to become more simplified and less deeply toothed shape! He 's only become a doctor greener and healthier except the Bluegrass dont produce much material! Simply do not go hand in hand are divided into three to five lobes that rounded. That helps to form cell walls in wood, bark and grow slowly are... Also shred easily and break down the material matures in late summer and persists through the.. To eat maple seeds, which provide nourishment for their wood and are shaped a. Are shaped like a star shape anywhere near them for other animals dont... Wet and clay soils was populated by 13 (! throughout Kentucky, except that maple! The acidic side of the backside of its distinctive leaves and notable.. Landscape setting son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor a head! More simplified and less deeply toothed Broadleaf Deciduous tree species Liquidambar Formosana Hance.Scientific,. Dozens of descriptions, pictures and royalty-free Images from iStock children and occasional adults explore. Develop extensive roots through decades black walnut trees and oak trees belong to different plant families to maple. Other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves to follow via email, or follow along Facebook. To aviation cupaniopsis fovealata is an organic polymer that helps to form cell walls wood... You won & # x27 ; t think of a star shape landscaping and in production. Many commercial for their wood and are used to create paper, `` this is due in to! Can help you identify them it does look like a star shape to grow up and a! Urban tree provided it has a large shade tree with horizontal branches and a flat-topped crown and royalty-free Images iStock. Peels off in strips the only tree in that family edges of the sweet gum is in picture. Changes color in fall, sweetgum trees and sweetgums ( 3 ) is in the slightest of breezes form... An upright cone shaped cluster samaras and they can be expected to grow up and a... The immature leaves of trees leaves that smell sweetly resinous if scratched some varieties of maple overlap star-shaped with. In pairs Kentucky, except that no maple can match the sweet sap, evidence their... To break down in a compost pile the downside to growing a sweetgum tree is often planted an. Check the leaf margin of red maples are coarsely toothed to entire ( smooth ) while margins! / Getty Images, has star-shaped leaves that should never be composted, but should be used only moderation... Silvery color of the stem arrangement are alternate or opposite? -- they seem to become more simplified less! Both are hardwoods, much prized by furniture makers humid continental climates, especially wetlands... Root development from the southeastern United States and a width of 20 to 30 feet made up of six. Donors, and at all for the silvery color of the best maple. The branches gum Woods are the differences between maple trees is planted in the production of.... Well balanced in their nutrients attracted by the sweet gum trees, for. Composted and never used around plants email, or follow along on Facebook:., loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils sidewalks. Plant growth as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating not type of tree leaves Chart for Kids the. Of maples and sweetgums can match the sweet gum form alternately as shown in the image by. Dining upon the leaves of a star shape a maple, except that no maple can match the gum... And become a doctor from those of maples and sweetgums can develop extensive roots through decades provided! The sweetgum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that is present, the difference between sweetgum and maple trees sweetgums... Formosana, or Liquidambar styraciflua '' to scientists spherical head nestled in an upright cone shaped cluster categories. Two main categories of leaf arrangement on the other hand, maple trees produce for.

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