Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 3" Metallic Sticker

The Sweetgum tree or American Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a deciduous tree common to southeastern North America and a few ecosystems in central America. Wild Sweetgum trees may live to be 400 years old. Most known for their fruit, the Sweetgum “ball,” is a spiky capsule that turns brown and woody after opening to release its seeds. The spiky seed pod has a lego-like ability to induce pain upon stepping on it with bare feet! The leaves of the Sweetgum exude a pleasant vanilla-like aroma when muddled. This tree has long been associated more with the southern U.S., but as the climate warms Sweetgums will be far more adaptable and common in northern regions like Chicago.

Want to plant trees like Sweetgum and others around the Chicago region? Check out Chicago Treekeepers (https://openlands.org/what-we-do/trees/treekeepers/)) or Openlands (https://openlands.org/). Don’t live near Chicago? Search to see if there’s a local tree advocacy group near you! And while you’re at it, show off AND share your knowledge of trees and tree identification by purchasing this 3” metallic Sweetgum sticker designed by me! It’s a great conversation starter and a fun way to advocate for trees everywhere you go.