Liquidambar styraciflua
Owner: Doverwood Cemetery
Nominator: Norfolk Environmental Stewardship Team
Height: 24.6 m (80.7 ft)
Diameter: 115.29 cm (45.4 in)
Circumference: 362 cm (142.5 in)
Description
The Sweetgum is a common bottom-land species in the southern United States where it grows biggest and is most abundant in the lower Mississippi Valley. It grows from Connecticut southward throughout the east to central Florida and eastern Texas. Also known as red gum, sap gum, star-leaf gum it is a rapid growing tree that often pioneers in old fields and logged areas and may develop into a nearly pure stand. Sweetgum grows best on rich bottomland soils, though it is an adaptable species and is known to tolerate a variety of different soil and site conditions. Associated forest cover may include Pin oak, sycamore, American elm, silver maple, white oak and sassafras. It is classed as intolerant to shade and requires adequate sunlight to reach its full potential. Its wood is used for lumber, veneer, plywood, railroad ties, fuel and pulpwood. (Source: Silvics of North America)
Sweetgum leaf, seed and bark
(Source: Cincinnati State University)