Plant Identification Learning Module:
Ornamentals
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
A deciduous tree with an upright growth habit. When young the canopy is pyramidal in shape, but it becomes rounded with age. Simple leaves are spirally arranged, palmately shaped with 5 or 7 lobes and may be up to 7 inches wide. The margins are finely serrate and leaves show some fall color. When crushed, they are aromatic. The twigs have corky, twisted wings. Fruits are woody and rounded to 1/2 inch in diameter, with many spines.
(cc) 2007, Ikmo-ned. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0.
Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulurist, Bugwood.org
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org
National Junior Horticultural Association
Steven J. Baskauf http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu.