Sweet Gum Tree Seeds-(Liquidambar styraciflua)
Sweet Gum Tree Seeds-(Liquidambar styraciflua)
Star-studded leaves. Autumn on fire.
Liquidambar styraciflua, the Sweet Gum, is a striking native tree celebrated for its glossy, star-shaped leaves and unmatched fall display of fiery hues. From golden yellow and tangerine to deep crimson and purple, each leaf becomes a brushstroke in autumn’s masterpiece. Its corky bark and spiky seed pods add texture and wildlife value, making it a four-season favorite for yards, parks, and reforestation projects alike.
- Native to the eastern and southern United States
- Vivid fall foliage spanning yellow, orange, red, and purple tones
- Produces ornamental spiky seed balls that feed birds and small wildlife
- Tolerates both moist lowlands and drier urban soils once established
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Stratification: Required (60–90 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 5–9
Soil: Moist, deep, slightly acidic soils preferred; adaptable to most types
Light: Full sun
Height: 60–75 feet (can exceed 100 feet in ideal conditions)
Spread: 40–60 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Plant it for bold structure and fall fireworks—classic, colorful, and full of character.
FAQ
Where does the Sweet Gum tree grow best?
It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils but adapts to a range of sites—from floodplains to city streets and suburban lawns.
Do Sweet Gum trees attract wildlife?
Yes. Birds and small mammals feed on the seeds, and the tree’s dense canopy provides excellent nesting and shelter.
Why are Sweet Gum trees so colorful in fall?
Their leaves contain a blend of pigments that shift from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple as temperatures drop, creating a brilliant autumn display.
Related Seeds
- Northern Red Oak Tree Seeds — Fast-growing hardwood with rich fall color
- Black Tupelo Tree Seeds — Glossy foliage and brilliant scarlet autumn leaves
- Red Maple Tree Seeds — Vibrant red foliage and year-round landscape appeal
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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