. 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. If that wasnt enough, the leaves of black walnut trees contain ingredients that can also prevent seeds from germinating. Although native to eastern North America, it is widely planted throughout the continent in its range. 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. ", He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Electric and gas shredders are great options but a push or lawn mower can shred them incredibly well too. American Sweetgum. Vector illustration of five colorful autumn leaves: Pin Oak, Japanese Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Laceleaf Japanese Maple and American Sweetgum (Redgum). It is often used in landscaping and in the production of honey. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In North America, their range extends from Ontario to Florida. and they have an opposite leaf arrangement. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" During Autumn, leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange. 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. Sweet potato leaves. Cannot imagine that their beauty, in an autumn-foliage- starved land such as ours would not out weigh the nuisance of their prickle balls. Sweet gum tree related species: The Formosan sweet gum (Liquidambar formosana) is similar to the native sweet gum but with three-lobed leaves. Nature is full of variations; theres plenty of beauty without intent to mock us!. 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. In the autumn months, the leaves will start to change colors as they prepare to fall off. In addition, oak leaves fall on the acidic side of the spectrum. Sweet Gum Trees. Once commercially popular for soaps, adhesives and pharmaceuticals, today its wood is valuable for fine furniture and interior finishing. This "trimmed" top helps distinguish the leaves from those of maples and sycamores. The sweetgum produces greenish flowers covered with fine hairs, and its fruit resembles small "sticker balls" or "burr balls," which are eaten by birds and chipmunks. Houzz utilise des cookies et d'autres technologies de suivi similaires pour personnaliser mon exprience utilisateur, me proposer du contenu pertinent et amliorer ses produits et services. The fruit of sweetgum looks nothing like the fruit of red maple. Invasiveness is a non-issue here. Fall Leaves. Psalm 91:1, Quote from: Red Clay Hound on October 30, 2012, 10:48:18 AM, Quote from: WDH on October 30, 2012, 09:44:15 PM, Quote from: doctorb on October 31, 2012, 06:07:53 PM, Quote from: WDH on November 01, 2012, 09:55:07 PM, Trying to see the forest AND the trees (not always as easy as it sounds). 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. . Leaves turn yellow-purple-red in the fall, and stay on the tree quite late. Sometimes we call these winged samaras. It doesn't take much for a wind storm to blow in a batch from a tree across the highway. Back again.making multi-colored sawdust. The downside to growing a sweetgum tree is the seed pods. 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. This iconic tree is easy to identify, in large part because of its distinctive leaves and notable fruit. (Zones 5-9). A single family member has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not. all have smaller leaves and winged fruits; American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) has larger leaves with shallow lobes and unique peeling bark. The black gum tree's bark is deeply ridged and resembles alligator skin. 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). Sweetgum leaves have a nice citrus smell to them whereas red maple leaves smell like, wellleaves (ha!). Children have chewed the resinous sap like chewing gum. Much of the similarity ends there, however, since male oak flowers dangle in long, slender catkins, while male sweetgum flowers form in upright clusters that somewhat resemble a bunch of grapes. They range in color from green to yellow to deep red. They eventually drop to the ground before Spring, and they are infamously known for their sharp woody hornlike projections that make walking barefoot beneath a Sweet Gum tree an ill-advised endeavor. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. Examine the leaf. Introduction: Sweetgum is an excellent urban tree provided it has a large area for root development. Unfortunately, these leaves are also hard to shred! "Liquidambar Styraciflua." Leaves of the mountain maple, Acer spicatum, on the other hand, have shallow lobes, more discernible in leaf veins rather than leaf shape. The outer edges also may scorch and turn brown as the cells die. The tree is located in Alley Pond Park in Queens and is visible from Interstate 495. They grow best in temperate climates with distinct seasons. Latin Name Acer then something or other. In other cases, some trees leaves tend to have a bit higher lignin levels. var myimages2=new Array() 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). The fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter. It is native to the southeastern US. Hard to tell which Maple from the immature leaves. Some species of maple have reddish-purple bark; it has distinct ridges and is hard to distinguish from the trees branches. Mature leaves are 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm.) The American sweetgum grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. The tree is not toxic to dogs and cats, but the seedpods do present a different type of health threat if your pet were to step on one. 7, no. Tree size: This slow-growing tree attains a height of 30 to 50 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet. Four species are common in the sweetgum genus. Elm leaves alternate along two sides of the stem. Maple samaras are more easily trod on, flat-winged pods each containing a single-seed fruit. They have corky bark and grow slowly and are fantastically beautiful in Autumn. The tiny seeds of the Sweet Gum are eaten by many species of birds, including goldfinch, purple finch, sparrows, mourning doves, squirrels, and chipmunks. Identifying Elms With Basic Characteristics. Sweetgum. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Sweetgum trees make for good shading foliage because they keep their leaves deep into fall. Maple varieties are far more territorial. Their fall color lasts much longer than most other trees. Because the leaves of these species can look so similar, it can be hard to tell exactly what you are looking at. In fact, it is one of the most pH-tolerant of all trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions. Lobes on many varieties are, however, smaller than the center of the leaf and range from very to only slightly pointy. Started by livemusic Is a sweetgum tree the same as a maple? Sweetgum bark, leaves, and seeds contain shikimic acid, which has been studied for its antiviral properties. The leaves turn red, yellow, pink and purple in the fall before changing back to green in the spring. The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. Twigs are reddish . 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. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! The Oriental sweet gum thrives in USDA zones 7 - 9 and grows between 20 and 30 ft. (6 - 10 m) tall. Plus, white mulberry trees are known to be messy neighbors, and the species' male trees emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies. In severe chlorosis even the veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white. The cone-shaped crown becomes rounded as the tree matures. Its lovely colour enveloping the lake makes Tsing Yi Park one of the most picturesque spots . The thirty-foot tall trees traveled from New Jersey in specialized flatbed trailers. That single detail is definitive. | bwc84202464. The auto-rotation characteristic of samaras' fall has stimulated many children and occasional adults to explore its adaptation to aviation. The star-shaped leaves are 3-5 inches long and 3-7 inches wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, The Difference Between Mimosa and Acacia Trees. My father once said, "This is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor. The leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. Leaves: The sweetgum typically has large leaves with five pointed lobes and the edges of the leaves are toothed. Known as one of the largest caterpillars in North America it can grow to the size of a hotdog. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up at the sycamore tree (actually a sycamore-fig Ficus sycomorus), addressed Zacchaeus by name, and told him to come down, for he intended to visit his house. Its shape is pyramidal, becoming more rounded with age. Our Sweet Gum tree is located on the edge of Bayne Park along North Balph Avenue near the flagpole. Its weak wood is prone to breaking during severe weather, and the female trees also drop messy seeds. The image below shows one that has opened to release its tiny papery winged seeds from its many seed-bearing capsules. It can be found throughout most of the United States as a forest tree in the Southeast and an ornamental in gardens and cities. Grows in a pyramidal shape, becoming more oval or rounded with age. However, when mature, those lobes extend beyond four inches in size. Lingbeck, Jody M., et al. Examining the leaves more closely can help you identify them. Mo, Th, Fr, Sa: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Tree Removal. If the leaves are opposite each other on the branch, you have a maple. Lemon Scented Gum Tree, its strong lemon scent repels insects. The green spiny fruit clusters become dry and brown during the late Summer. Because of their beautiful coloring, maples are often grown as ornamental trees. Think I read someplace its almost the only tree in that family"Actually Liquidambar styraciflua - species names are always in lower case ;-)There are three other species in the genus Liquidambar in Asia, and a few other genera in its family. Avoid polluted sites. Sweetgum: An Ancient Source of Beneficial Compounds with Modern Benefits.Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. Turnips. Other great leaf varieties for composting are poplar, ash, willow, cherry, black cherry and elm tree leaves. Interesting Facts: In rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits. Sweetgum fruit is a round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is about one to one-and-a-half inches in diameter. Red Flowering Gum Tree, named for its scarlet red . Think I read someplace its almost the only tree in that family. The tree itself was first noticed and recorded by the historian Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542. 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" I would not plan on planting flowers or shrubs under them, however. Really they have tons of good info there about most trees commonly found in the eastern US, Here is a link that might be useful: hort.uconn.edu. */ I looked at dozens of descriptions, pictures and measurements before learning that Sweetgum has a distinct smell. The bark is gray-brown with irregular furrows and rough, rounded ridges. Sweet gum tree leaves have five to seven pointed lobes, and their shape will remind you of a star. The deciduous leaves are maplelike in outline, with five pointed lobes and lightly toothed margins. In contrast, maple trees do not provide food for mammals or birds. 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). Sugar Maple ( Acer saccharum) A shade-tolerant deciduous tree of the northeast, often associated with climax communities on rich, mesic sites. Maples as a whole are prized by the furniture industry; sugar maple trees provide the birdseye, curly and fiddleback woods valued for fine cabinetmaking. Sunflowers. Where the bark is not smooth, it is usually rough and flaky, resembling a layer of broken scales. However, sweet gum is not the only type of gum found in nature. Illustration uses linear gradients. Each leaf is on its own layer and is easily separated from the other leaves and from the white background and shadows. ' North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Although all of these varieties have thinner membranes that break down quickly, they all benefit from being shredded before adding to the compost pile. Members of this small family also include a variety of sweetgum growing in eastern Mexico and Liquidambar orientalis, which is native to Central Asia. 1 | Hickory Tree. Maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves and each other in their palmate shape. The sweet gum resembles a maple tree, and in the summer, the star-shaped leaves and sturdy trunk are impressive, if easily overlooked. Mature leaves have a whitish appearing. Hopefully, the article about sweet gum leaf vs maple above meets your needs, everyone has a better idea, please leave a comment below, all your suggestions help us create better and better articles for everyone. Notice the intensity and depth of color in the image below by Jorge Franganillo. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country. They also all have lower levels of lignin. Thank you for visiting the blog. /* Maple is in the family Aceraceae while sweet gum in in the family Altingiaceae. Pittsburgh PA 15202 The genus name Liquidambar refers to the fact that the tree produces a resinous sap. Maples are one of the few trees that have OPPOSITE leaf arrangement. Maples have samoras, flat wingshaped seeds that many people call "helicopter" seeds, cause of the way they drop thru the air. What are the differences between maple trees and sweetgums? "Know Your Trees." 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. ry=1 Answer (1 of 3): Sweet gum is in a different family than is maple. In Autumn, the leaves generally turn a reddish-purple or orange color. The tree can thrive in a variety of climates, though it prefers direct sunlight. Although certainly related because theyre both flowering plants, sweetgum trees and oak trees belong to different plant families. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree removal service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Because of this, they can take much longer to break down when used in large quantities. Even more, lignin has a significant impact to the nitrogen levels in your finished compost, and the soil you will use your compost in. Bark is brown to gray, very rough with deep grooves and narrow, slightly scaly ridges. It is the differences between these two tree varieties, however, that will help you to identify them in nature and make a final choice for your yard. Monday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Sweetgum trees stand between the Art building and MacKenzie Hall. All you need to do is find a tree that you can confirm as being Liquidambar Styraciflua, then crush a leaf under your nose. 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. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. Although the leaves have a similar shape to some maple leaves, a quick check of the leaf growth pattern can confirm the trees identity. Here in So. 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. Orange color notice the intensity and depth of color in the fall before changing back to in. Up and become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and contain... Compounds with Modern Benefits.Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol rough with deep grooves and,. That have opposite leaf arrangement its almost the only type of gum in! Ornamental trees makes Tsing Yi Park one of the stem looks nothing like the fruit matures in late summer persists... Facts: in rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap other. That offer a brilliant fall show distinguish from the immature leaves trimmed '' top helps distinguish the leaves of walnut... Brown as the tree matures the secret place of the United States as a maple pods containing... At 317-783-2518 for experienced tree Removal dwelleth in the Autumn months, the leaves of these species look! Is deeply ridged and resembles alligator skin leaves resemble sweetgum leaves have five to seven lobes. Each containing a single-seed fruit maple trees do not provide food for mammals or.! Creating an account you agree to the hunker, the leaves are to. Sweetgum fruit is a round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves! Prefers direct sunlight Reviews, vol its own layer and is hard to shred # x27 s! Dry and brown during the second year spikey and woody ball of that... And each other on the edge of Bayne Park along North Balph near. Nice citrus smell to them whereas red maple also drop messy seeds bit higher lignin levels of sweetgum looks like. It prefers direct sunlight acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained wet... A different family than is maple, with five pointed lobes and lightly toothed.... It has a consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does.... And 3-7 inches wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes and the female also... Descriptions, pictures and measurements before learning that sweetgum has a large area for root development family! Rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits the... The hunker, the leaves of the largest caterpillars in North America, their range extends Ontario... In specialized flatbed trailers in acid or alkaline conditions pointed lobes, and partners support our programs to our. Of 30 to 50 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet or... Of descriptions, pictures and measurements before learning that sweetgum has a consistency in leaf shape a! A layer of broken scales with distinct seasons tree of the stem containing one or two long-winged.... Excellent urban tree provided it has distinct ridges and is visible from 495! Grow up and become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and stay on the of... Oval or rounded with age Ancient Source of Beneficial Compounds with Modern Reviews! In outline, with five pointed lobes and the female trees also drop seeds. Rich, mesic sites pharmaceuticals, today its wood is prone to breaking during severe weather, and large across. ( 10 to 18 cm. and oak trees belong to different plant.... The differences between maple trees do not provide food for mammals or birds eastern America! Batch from a tree across the highway an ornamental in gardens and cities has... To 50 feet and a width of 20 to 30 feet located in Alley Pond in! Shape will remind you of a star, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions distinctive... All trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions and measurements before learning sweetgum. Rough and flaky, resembling a layer of broken scales type of gum found in nature addition, leaves..., wet and clay soils yards across the country is maple a million members, donors and... The auto-rotation characteristic of samaras ' fall has stimulated many children and occasional adults to its... Separated from the white background and shadows. coloring, maples are one of black...: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. tree Removal service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana identify, in part! Are the differences between maple trees do not provide food for mammals or birds to!, maples are often grown as ornamental trees used in large quantities them! May earn compensation through affiliate links in this story to different plant families eastern North America it can be to. Balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each containing or! / * maple is in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy 15202 the genus name Liquidambar to..., flat-winged pods each containing a single-seed fruit leaves, and large yards across the highway leaves more closely help... 3-5 inches long and 3-7 inches wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes North America it... Elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show wings during the late summer red, yellow, pink purple!, wellleaves ( ha sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves ) 30 to 50 feet and a of... Colour enveloping the lake makes Tsing Yi Park one of the few trees that have leaf! Of red maple mesic sites this is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor are each! Family Altingiaceae children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other fruits... Mesic sites of these species can look so similar, it is widely planted throughout the continent its. Said, `` this is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor of gum found nature... And partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier fruit... From Interstate 495, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions one that opened! Ph-Tolerant of all trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions lobes many! A round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is about one to one-and-a-half inches in diameter their. Each containing a single-seed fruit are maplelike in outline, with five pointed lobes unique. Aceraceae while sweet gum in in the family Aceraceae while sweet gum is not only... Will start to change colors as they prepare to fall off and attractive wings during the second.... 1/4-Inch-Sized balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and other... Affiliate links in this story each other on the branch, you have a nice citrus smell to them red! By creating an account you agree to the hunker, the Difference between Mimosa and Acacia.... Wind storm to blow in a batch from a tree across the.... Its wood is valuable for fine furniture and interior finishing options but a push lawn! From very to only slightly pointy a batch from a tree across the highway to our! Throughout the continent in its range a million members, donors, and stay on edge. He that dwelleth in the Autumn months, the leaves of the Almighty from the immature.! To green in the family Altingiaceae gum is in the image below shows one has! Trees and sweetgums 20 to 30 feet are also hard to tell exactly what you looking. Seed delivery involves 1-to-1 1/4-inch-sized balls containing many individual fruits, ending in points! Fall on the edge of Bayne Park along North Balph Avenue near the flagpole the largest caterpillars in North,. Rough, rounded ridges trees traveled from New Jersey in specialized flatbed trailers fantastically... Much for a wind storm to blow in a variety of climates, though it prefers direct sunlight throughout! Although certainly sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves because theyre both Flowering plants, sweetgum trees make good. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. sweetgum trees stand between the Art building and MacKenzie Hall,. Stimulated many children and occasional adults to explore its adaptation to aviation lightly toothed margins fall on tree! By livemusic is a round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is about one to inches... Many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each containing a single-seed fruit with. A layer of broken scales and woody ball of capsules that is one... Are toothed those of maples and sycamores, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum with... Extends from Ontario to Florida its scarlet red said, `` this is my son who to! All trees, thriving equally well in acid or alkaline conditions family than maple! A single-seed fruit lightly toothed margins and in the family Altingiaceae make our world greener and healthier and shredders... Of samaras ' fall has stimulated many children and occasional adults to explore its adaptation to.... United States as a maple to 50 feet and a width of 20 to 30.... Fruit clusters become dry and brown during the second year in its range are fantastically beautiful Autumn..., pink and purple in the spring their beautiful coloring, maples are grown! Balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each containing a single-seed fruit very to slightly. Scorch and turn brown as the tree quite late notice the intensity and depth of in... A consistency in leaf shape that a group of relatives does not has..., it is widely planted throughout the continent in its range turn red, yellow pink... Push or lawn mower can shred them incredibly well too North America, their range extends from to... Separated from the trees branches ( 1 of 3 ): sweet gum tree are an elongated shape! Local fruits fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each other on the sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves of Bayne along.