Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the eastern and southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It reaches 100 feet tall and 49 feet wide, growing about 45 feet in 20 years. The alternate, star-shaped leaves are distinctive, and fall color is among the most spectacular of any temperate tree, ranging through golden, orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow, often with multiple colors on a single tree.

Sweetgum performs best in full sun on moist, acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 7.0) but tolerates clay and even periodically anaerobic conditions. The spiky, mace-like fruit clusters (about 3 cm) persist into winter and are a significant litter and foot-traffic hazard. Cultivars address this: 'Rotundiloba' is fruitless with rounded leaf lobes, and 'Happidaze' produces little fruit. Other selections include 'Emerald Sentinel' (30 feet, narrow), 'Worplesdon' (good fall color), and 'Gold Dust' (45 feet, variegated). Surface roots can lift pavement. Documented problems include cankers, dieback, and leaf spot. Hardy in Zones 4b to 8b.