Worplesdon Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon'

Planted 2008

This large tree has a beautiful, pyramidal shape that makes for great shade. Its star-shaped leaves turn shades of red, purple or yellow in the fall. It is best grown in full sun with rich, acidic soils, but can be grown in the intermountain west if given drainage and deep organic soils.

Worplesdon Sweetgum tree
up close image of Worplesdon Sweetgum leaf
Close up of Worplesdon Sweetgum bark
Close up of Worplesdon Sweetgum fruit
Height Width Zone Growth Rate Water Use
60-75 ft. 40-50 ft. 5-9 Fast Moderate

Leaf

Dark-green, star-shaped leaves.

Fruit

Small, spiky balls full of seeds.

Flower

Not showy.

Advantages

Beautiful shape and unique foliage.

Disadvantages

Fruit can be messy. Intolerant of shade and is particular about soil conditions.