Liquidambar styraciflua
Liquidambar styraciflua

This plant was assessed as Lower Risk in our Research Portal. You can conduct your own research on this or other plants by creating a free login to the portal.

Lower Risk
Naturalised in a similar climateProduces copious viable seed or propagulesSpread long distances by birdsSpread long distances by wind

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)

(Liquidambar macrophylla)

This deciduous tree is native to North and Central America (USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua). It is a moderate to rapidly growing hardwood tree that can reach up to 50 metres in height. The species has been in the Australian plant trade since 1843 and has been recorded as naturalised in both Australia, in VIC, and New Zealand. It is considered as an agricultural weed in Chile and the United States by one source. Reproduction is via seed and root sprouts. The fruit is a spiky wooden capsule, which opens to release numerous winged seeds. The seeds are dispersed by wind, and also eaten by birds and other animals. Sweet Gum has star shaped glossy leaves that form an attractive display as they change colours in autumn.