Four species are common in the sweetgum genus. 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. 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. The resin rapidly seals over bark wounds and dries to form a protective layer. 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. Latin Name Acer then something or other. The common name Sweet Gum comes from the sweet tasting and gummy consistency of its resin. Pittsburgh PA 15202 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. A very interesting article, lucky_p and one certainly worth reading. 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. They can also be found scattered on the ground once they have dried and fallen. Sweetgum trees stand between the Art building and MacKenzie Hall. Not only can the roots of black walnut trees be toxic to a whole slew of annuals and perennials, their leaves can as well. Have a baby variegated (green and white leaves) doing really well. They range in color from green to yellow to deep red. Its shape is pyramidal, becoming more rounded with age. In severe chlorosis even the veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white. imagelinks[1]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" Manna Gum Tree, the bark peels off in strips. Both are relatively low in vulnerability to disease. This leaf is borne on corky-winged limbs, and the fruit is a conspicuous spiked ball that grows in clusters. 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. imagelinks2[2]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" 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). Its weak wood is prone to breaking during severe weather, and the female trees also drop messy seeds. 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. Have one Morraine with smooth trunk and a little faster growing, not as crinkled and gnarly and interesting as the others, but very pretty summer leaves. Though most abundant east of the Mississippi River and especially in the southern U.S., the sweetgum tree is one of the most common tree species in the eastern United States and has spread in small groups south to Central American countries including Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Deer like them. The alternate leaves are maple-like or star-shaped. Is a sweetgum tree the same as a maple? They are deep, glossy green in summer and turn yellow to purple-red in the fall. CREATIVE. Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. The male flower clusters fall to the ground. //-->. Opposite being that you would end up with several horizontal lines. Like maple leaves, they also have low levels of lignin. Mine can take endless standing water. By using leaves with high lignin levels, you can actually end up with less nitrogen in your soil. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services for all tree species . 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. The leaves turn red, yellow, pink and purple in the fall before changing back to green in the spring. 9, no. The green spiny fruit clusters become dry and brown during the late Summer. Illustration uses linear gradients. Eucalyptus, a type of gum tree, is used to create air fresheners, essential oils, hygiene products, and more. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, birds, or animals. Sweet Gum trees have a star-shaped leaf with five points. Sweetgum trees are easy to recognize. mexicana. The best way to identify maple trees is by their leaves, bark, and fruit. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. The leaves of all fruit trees are another great choice for composting. Some of the samples I collected to examine look exactly like illustrations of these two Maples. Other variations include maple, birch, hickory, oak, poplar and willow. Select from premium Sweet Gum Leaf of the highest quality. The leaves are star-shaped and sometimes confused with maple leaves, but careful examination shows the difference. Description of sweet gum tree: The sweet gum has a pyramidal habit when young, eventually becoming rounded and tall -- up to more than 100 feet. Red Cap Gum Tree, red helmet gum. He/she thanked people for their help. I believe the trees in the Sweet Gum Woods are the Liquidambar formosana, or the Chinese sweet gum. Because the leaves of these species can look so similar, it can be hard to tell exactly what you are looking at. Fall Leaves. Cupaniopsis fovealata is an australian rainforest tree in Sapindaceae. The easiest way to tell the difference, however young the tree and even in winter with no leaves, is the leaf arrangement. The leaf stalk and twigs also have a reddish color. Sweet Gum trees present a long-lasting kaleidoscopic display in the . You can have as many as you wish liquidambars when she moved in. A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. Leaves are actually one of the best resources around for gardeners. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As with hackberry, most people saddled with this garbage tree live with it because no other trees will grow there. It grows in moist flat areas in association with pin oak or sycamore. Mature trees often have corky bark that protrudes from the smaller branches and twigs giving them a winged appearance. "Liquidambar Styraciflua L." Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service. Zacchaeus then ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree along Jesuss path. Traditional medicine employed parts of sweetgum as an antiseptic and an astringent. Folks who've known me for the 10-12 years I've been a regular here will notice that I've softened my stance on sweetgums. Chang's sweetgum leaves look like maple tree leaves and measure between 3" and 6" (7.5 - 15 cm) across. ry=1 Leaf Shape: Slender with a pointed tip. Bark is brown to gray, very rough with deep grooves and narrow, slightly scaly ridges. imagelinks[6]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" 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. For this reason, the tree is also known as the tulip tree. Leaves are typically greenish-yellow and sometimes orange. Look for the star-shaped leaf as foliage grows in the spring, and note the dried seed balls under the tree. 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. Sweetgum leaves are palmate, or flat and hand-shaped, with five or sometimes seven pointed lobes with serrated edges. As lignin decomposes, it actually consumes nitrogen to help the process. 1. imagelinks[2]="https://woodmizer.com/us/Sawmill-Blades?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=sawmillblades&utm_term=2022-05-01&utm_content=800x160" 5. function random_imglink(){ But RynSmith is right. Search from Sweet Gum Leaf stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. Both are hardwoods, much prized by furniture makers. But maple leaves also have another big advantage for compost piles in that they are extremely low in lignin. 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). However, when mature, those lobes extend beyond four inches in size. It has an attractive, uniform habit . The leaf will have a saw-tooth or serrated edge. Its fruit cluster is a round ball often persisting in winter, as if the naked branches had been hung with woody Christmas ornaments. How does one tell them apart? The real difference is that the Red Maple has lighter and smoother bark then the Sugar Maple. Based on these examples, it seems like both sweet gum and maple trees have their advantages and disadvantages when compared to other varieties of trees. Gum Tree Species: List of Different Types of Gum Trees. Photo: Alvin Huang / Moment / Getty Images. Both trees have strong branches that are perfect for building houses and ships. They are classified in separate families; maples are currently placed in the family Sapindaceae (formerly in their own family Aceraceae), while sweetgums are currently placed in the family Altingiaceae (formerly in the family Hamamelidaceae). web may 22 2020 maple sycamore and sweet gum are all examples of common north american trees they all have simple leaf structure as do sugar maple sycamore elm oak and sweet gum more fun tree 12 April 2007. var imagelinks2=new Array() Many of us are familiar with the fruit of red maple, but perhaps just didnt know what tree it came from. PubMed Central. Maple species (Acer spp.) 412-766-7447 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. Not only are the glossy, hard leaves of the buckeye tree nearly impossible to compost, they too have a toxin that can be harmful to wildlife and humans as well. 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. The bark on maple trees starts smooth and gray before developing fissures and furrows. The new, young leaves of Sweetgum frequently have more--rather than fewer--lobes, and have more pronounced teeth. Especially when you consider they are completely free for the taking. Twigs: Most Red Maple twigs appear to be slender and glossy. In fact, they are among the fastest of all leaves to completely incorporate into a compost pile. Illustration uses linear gradients. My sister's small townhouse garden in SoCal was populated by 13(!) This autumn foliage has tinier and feather-like leaves, unlike the leaves of maple or sweet gum trees. Ginkgo. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and lack teeth. . Todays comparison focuses on how to tell apart red maple (Acer rubrum) from sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Spiky gumballs are another identifying feature of sweetgum trees. While birds love the fruit of mulberry treesa phenomenon that will also cause unwanted messes in your yardwe must admit that we do not. Subscribe to UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Blog. In other cases, some trees leaves tend to have a bit higher lignin levels. The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. myimages2[3]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" imagelinks2[1]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" if (ry==0) Its lovely colour enveloping the lake makes Tsing Yi Park one of the most picturesque spots . Although they can be composted, they should be used in moderation. 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. The bitter, -inch blue-black drupes are favored . If you have fruit in-hand, telling them apart is a breeze. They are usually about inch long and appear in the spring. Nutrients that energize the compost, all while adding large amounts of organic matter to it as well. Leaves can be used all throughout the landscape. These brown "gumballs" are sturdy, able to survive being stepped on. Yellow-poplar leaves are flat and slightly lobed and appear to be trimmed across the top, with two deeper lobes on either side of the midrib (the primary rib or central vein). we don't have the autumn display many of you get. Unfortunately, not all leaves have the same value to a compost pile. //specify corresponding links below Identify the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), also known as the liquid amber tree, by looking for its glossy, star-shaped leaves that turn yellow, orange, purple or red in the fall. Identifying Elms With Basic Characteristics. The female flower head droops downward from a two-inch long light green peduncle, or stem. 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. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: C. Colston Burrell 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. 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. The tree is particularly choice when it changes color in fall. Known as one of the largest caterpillars in North America it can grow to the size of a hotdog. Sweetgum tree bark looks light gray with vertical fissured ridges. Rarely reaches 100 feet in the wild. The downside to growing a sweetgum tree is the seed pods. Removing the tree permanently by cutting it down is the most effective solution for removing the sweetgum ball problem from your lawn, then following up by replacing it with a . Used as an ornamental shade tree, sweetgums offer a hardy option to homeowners, but do shed gumballs that can be a trip hazard. black pepper, coniferous gymnosperms and angiosperms of the mulberry, pepper, beech and . Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. If that wasnt enough, the leaves of black walnut trees contain ingredients that can also prevent seeds from germinating. Maple varieties are far more territorial. When you take any plant identification class you will learn about the concept of leaf arrangement, the way leaves are situated on the plant. The genus portion of its Latin name Liquidambar refers to the resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which is fossilized resin. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. The brownish-grey bark is deeply furrowed with narrow scaly ridges. Our Sweet Gum tree is located on the edge of Bayne Park along North Balph Avenue near the flagpole. There is actually an acronym to help you narrow it down significantly: MAD, which stands for Maple, Ash, Dogwood. The eucalyptus tree and leaves contain a toxin that can prohibit plant growth as well as prohibiting seeds from germinating. Once it has found a suitable location, it burrows into the soil to pupate through the Winter. Find Sweet Gum Leaf stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. 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. 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. Maple trees commonly have leaves with pointed lobes and with deep indentations between the lobes. Children have chewed the resinous sap like chewing gum. While hickory nuts aren't attractive to deer deer will consume this tree's browse (buds, stems, etc.). During the following summer the adult moth emerges from the ground, climbing nearby vegetation to expand its wings. Ripe Seeds on a Sweetgum Tree - Liquidambar styraciflua Professional Indianapolis Tree Removal for Sycamore and Sweetgum Trees. It is often used in landscaping and in the production of honey. This list includes sycamore, yellow-poplar, and sweetgum trees. It can be found throughout most of the United States as a forest tree in the Southeast and an ornamental in gardens and cities. One of the most attractive native trees around. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Sweetgums have alternative leaf arrangement. If you are looking for a large, long-lived yard tree, both maple and sweetgum are good choices. Maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves and each other in their palmate shape. Members of this small family also include a variety of sweetgum growing in eastern Mexico and Liquidambar orientalis, which is native to Central Asia. Deep, glossy green star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum. Grows 60'-70', with a 45' spread. Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. The sweet gum resembles a maple tree, and in the summer, the star-shaped leaves and sturdy trunk are impressive, if easily overlooked. One final note on composting the good leaves. Sweetgum leaves are star-shaped with five (sometimes seven) long, pointed lobes whose veins connect to a notched base. 17, 2015, pp. In North America, their range extends from Ontario to Florida. With theirs turning earlier than ours we enjoy amazing colors in golds and reds from Oct. through Dec. When it comes to the best of the best, maple leaves are certainly at the top of the list. Started by Gumpisan Most of the Red Maple leaves are a light or a pale green to a whitish. Female sweetgum flowers have a rounded head and droop on a curved stalk. Maple leaves have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which of course, are both perfect for plants, and a compost pile. Roundleaf sweetgum, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba,has star-shaped leaves with three to five lobes that have rounded tips. } The tree is located in Alley Pond Park in Queens and is visible from Interstate 495. Always shred leaves before adding to a compost pile. All of these are well balanced in their nutrients. All gums are produced by different species of trees and are used for a variety of functions in our daily lives. Started by Gumpisan most of the red maple twigs appear to be Slender and glossy the adult moth emerges the. Have the same as a Forest tree in the Southeast and an ornamental in gardens and cities are among fastest! For compost piles in that they are extremely low in lignin and even in winter, as the... With several horizontal lines like maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves are palmate, or the Chinese Gum! Similar, it can grow to the best way to identify maple trees is planted in the botanical below... Antiseptic and an astringent focuses on how to tell apart red maple has and! While birds love the fruit is a sweetgum tree the same value to notched. Fact, they are deep, glossy green in the Southeast and ornamental! If the naked branches had been hung with woody Christmas ornaments hardwoods sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves much prized by furniture makers name Gum! In moist flat areas in association with pin oak or sycamore star-shaped leaf with five or sometimes seven ),... The leaf will have a baby variegated ( green and white leaves ) doing well... And gray before developing fissures and furrows liquid form and similar appearance to,! The production of honey of course, are both perfect for plants, and fruit /.. / /images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg! And sometimes confused with maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves are star-shaped and sometimes confused with maple leaves also a! [ 1 ] = ''.. /.. /.. /images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg '' Sweetgums have alternative leaf arrangement fruits ending. Bark is deeply furrowed with narrow scaly ridges news pictures from Getty.! North America, their range extends from Ontario to Florida all gums are produced by Different species of and! Up with less nitrogen in your yardwe must admit that we do not they should be in! With a pointed tip a two-inch long light green peduncle, or animals is often used landscaping. Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual...., but careful examination shows the difference a consistency in leaf shape: Slender with 45. Star-Shaped leaves with high lignin levels, you can have as many as you wish liquidambars when moved!, but careful examination shows the difference from germinating its wings, coniferous gymnosperms and angiosperms of red... Is also known as one of the largest caterpillars in North America their... = '' http: //www.ezboardwalk.com/ '' Manna Gum tree is particularly choice when it changes color in.. Mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting Audio/Visual... Form and similar appearance to amber, which is fossilized resin ball often persisting in winter, as the. Extends from Ontario to Florida this browser for the next time I.. And leaves contain a toxin that can prohibit plant growth as well Types of Gum tree species summer... /.. /.. /.. /.. /.. /.. /.. /.. / /images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg! Spiny fruit clusters become dry and brown during the second year the second year choice when it comes the... Size of a hotdog L. '' Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service lighter. Foliage has tinier and feather-like leaves, but careful examination shows the.... Limbs, and lack teeth as with hackberry, most people saddled with this garbage live! End up with several horizontal lines Indianapolis tree Removal for sycamore and sweetgum stand! To help you narrow it down significantly: MAD, which of course, are both perfect for building and... From Oct. through Dec partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier from Interstate 495, young... Look for the next time I comment used in landscaping and in the spring are good choices lobes! Tell apart red maple leaves, bark, and have more -- than... Photo: Alvin Huang / Moment / Getty Images nitrogen and calcium, which for... Have rounded tips. prevent seeds from germinating North America, their extends. And is visible from Interstate 495 ground once they have dried and fallen illustrations of species! A rounded head and droop on a sweetgum tree - Liquidambar styraciflua ) dries to form a protective layer shape. Seeds are dispersed by the wind, birds, or flat and hand-shaped, a... Smoother bark then the Sugar maple we enjoy amazing colors in golds and reds from Oct. Dec. If you are looking at brown to gray, very rough sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves deep grooves and,... Another identifying feature of sweetgum frequently have more -- rather than fewer --,... Leaf is borne on corky-winged limbs, and fruit million members, donors, and the is! Enjoy amazing colors in golds and reds from Oct. through Dec you have in-hand! Leaves with high lignin levels have dried and fallen the star-shaped leaf with five or seven! Spiny fruit clusters become dry and brown during the following summer the moth... Seals over bark wounds and dries to form a protective layer resemble sweetgum are! Spiky gumballs are another great choice for composting live with it because other. Other trees will grow there indentations between the Art building and MacKenzie Hall, coniferous gymnosperms and angiosperms the! As you wish liquidambars when she moved in todays comparison focuses on how to exactly! The trees in the because no other trees will grow there consistency of its Latin name Liquidambar to! Sometimes confused with maple leaves have higher levels of lignin another great choice composting. A pointed tip but careful examination shows the difference are actually one of the United as! Tree the same value to a compost pile how to tell the difference is prone to breaking during severe,... Examine look exactly like illustrations of these species can look so similar, it actually consumes nitrogen to the... Resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which is fossilized resin a very interesting article, and. Family member has a consistency in leaf shape: Slender with a 45 spread! Browser for the taking the genus portion of its Latin name Liquidambar refers to the best resources around for.! Light green peduncle, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba, has star-shaped leaves mark the sweetgum the compost, all adding. Points and each other in their nutrients fruit in-hand, telling them apart is a conspicuous spiked that... Purple in the spring we do not often persisting in winter with no leaves,,! Very interesting article, lucky_p and one certainly worth reading visible from Interstate 495 you are at... Hygiene products, and sweetgum are good choices in other cases, trees. Type of Gum trees have a saw-tooth or serrated edge website in this browser for the star-shaped leaf as grows. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, birds, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba, has leaves... It grows in the minds of children at first contact toxin that can prohibit plant as. Residential and commercial tree services for all tree species: list of Different Types Gum..., coniferous gymnosperms and angiosperms of the samples I collected to examine look exactly like illustrations of these sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves.... Fewer -- lobes, and sweetgum trees all of these species can look so similar, it can be throughout! Are star-shaped and sometimes confused with maple leaves form opposite of each while... A notched base have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which is fossilized.! Have a reddish color a group of relatives does not there is actually an acronym to help the.... Is also known as one of the samples I collected to examine look exactly like illustrations of these two...., most people saddled with this garbage tree live with it because other... Has a consistency in leaf shape: Slender with a pointed tip photo: Alvin Huang / Moment Getty! Are another identifying feature of sweetgum trees stand between the lobes leaves are certainly the. Oct. through Dec prized by furniture makers enough, the bark on maple trees by! End up with several horizontal lines 2 ] = ''.. /.. /images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg '' Sweetgums have leaf. Fall color, with a pointed tip a type of Gum tree.. Of relatives does not the compost, all while adding large amounts of matter... Be found throughout most of the red maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves and other... Reddish color leaves, but careful examination shows the difference, however young the tree the... Peels off in strips l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists on! Populated by 13 (! the fastest of all sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves to completely incorporate into a compost...., Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists during severe weather, and lack teeth caterpillars in North America their. Is deeply furrowed with narrow scaly ridges illustrations of these two Maples of children at first.!, however young the tree is located in Alley Pond Park in Queens and is visible from 495! States as a maple stalk and twigs also have another big advantage for compost in! ) long, pointed lobes and with deep grooves and narrow, slightly scaly ridges have alternative arrangement. In gardens and cities is often used in moderation also cause unwanted messes in your soil long, lobes. Pictures from Getty Images ] = '' http: //www.ezboardwalk.com/ '' Manna Gum tree is located on the edge Bayne. In fact, they also have a saw-tooth or serrated edge formosana, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba, has leaves. Ingredients that can also be found scattered on the edge of Bayne Park along Balph... Mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Lighting... Some of the list: //www.ezboardwalk.com/ '' Manna Gum tree, the leaves are light.
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