Without getting overly technical, lignin is an organic polymer that helps to form cell walls in wood, bark and leaves. It is the differences between these two tree varieties, however, that will help you to identify them in nature and make a final choice for your yard. Many of the medicinal properties of sweetgum are derived from the resinous sap that exudes when the outer bark of the tree has been damaged. Both sweet gum and maple have colorful leaves in spring. They are frequently (and inappropriately) planted here in more suburban areas as street trees and in addition to getting their crowns whacked back to avoid power lines, the roots cause frequent upheavals of the sidewalks. Have one Morraine with smooth trunk and a little faster growing, not as crinkled and gnarly and interesting as the others, but very pretty summer leaves. The leaves of a sweetgum tree are dark green. Grows in a pyramidal shape, becoming more oval or rounded with age. Hence, the longer it will take to break down in a compost pile. Introduction: Sweetgum is an excellent urban tree provided it has a large area for root development. Ca. It may be a function of soil type/compaction, etc., but every sweetgum I've ever encountered in a residential yard situation threw up huge, obtrusive roots projecting well above the soil surface.I've seen literally millions of the invasive natives growing wild in the woodlands of my native AL, and didn't necessarily notice the surface roots so much there, though now that I think about it, even out in the woods, those above soil-surface roots were pretty prominent. Nyssa sylvatica grows to 20-25 metres (66-82 ft) tall, rarely to 35 metres (115 ft), with a trunk diameter of 50-100 centimetres (20-39 in), rarely up to 170 centimetres (67 in). The yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the tallest eastern hardwood tree. To start off, lets take a look at the best of the best when it comes to composting leaves. CREATIVE. Sycamore trees are also distinguished by their large patches of smooth bark, which has a creamy "camo" appearance from its mix yellow, tan, and gray. Leaf Shape: Slender with a pointed tip. Cat; 2007 Wood-Mizer EG200 Twin Blade Edger; Woodmaster 718 Molder/Planer; Stihl MS460 and MS362 Chainsaws; 2011 John Deere 5065 with JD 553 Loader. If leaf arrangement isnt your thing, check out the leaf margins, or edges of the leaf. Its lovely colour enveloping the lake makes Tsing Yi Park one of the most picturesque spots . If that wasnt enough, the leaves of black walnut trees contain ingredients that can also prevent seeds from germinating. The major maples have leaves that are divided into three to five lobes. Look overhead for spiky dangling spherical fruits. 5. Maple Leaves. Rainbow Gum Tree, spectacular rainbow colored trunk. The Oriental sweet gum thrives in USDA zones 7 - 9 and grows between 20 and 30 ft. (6 - 10 m) tall. imagelinks2[1]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" Page created in 1.06 seconds with 40 queries. ' North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. The best way to identify maple trees is by their leaves, bark, and fruit. Sweet Gum . Maple and sweetgum leaves may confuse some foliage fans. They are usually about inch long and appear in the spring. The sweet gum resembles a maple tree, and in the summer, the star-shaped leaves and sturdy trunk are impressive, if easily overlooked. Is a sweet gun not an oxymoron? If you have fruit in-hand, telling them apart is a breeze. var imagelinks2=new Array() Sweetgums have spiny balls (little smaller than a golfball) that fall from the tree. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. I can't think of a messier tree. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. function random_imglink2(){ imagelinks2[2]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" Ripe Seeds on a Sweetgum Tree - Liquidambar styraciflua Professional Indianapolis Tree Removal for Sycamore and Sweetgum Trees. ry=1 Other great leaf varieties for composting are poplar, ash, willow, cherry, black cherry and elm tree leaves. In the fall, their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red. sweet gum. Find Sweet Gum Leaf stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Oils from sweetgum trees have shown potential as a natural pesticide against the pine wood nematodeBursaphelenchus xylophilus, as well as an insecticide for Aedes aegypti, mosquitos known to transmit dengue fever. Grows 60'-70', with a 45' spread. It is a medium-sized to large tree, growing to 65-115 ft, rarely to 135 ft tall, with a trunk up to 6 ft in diameter and may live to 400 years. Instead, their seeds can be used for cooking or manufacturing sugar. Although this tree normally grows on rich, moist soils in the wild, it has proven itself quite adaptable in culture. baynelibrary@einetwork.net. The thin skins of maple leaves also shred easily and break down quickly in a compost pile. Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark. The genus portion of its Latin name Liquidambar refers to the resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which is fossilized resin. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are attracted by the sweet sap, evidence of their visitation can be noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk. There are two Sweetgum trees in my backyard, Liquidambar Styraciflua. While hickory nuts aren't attractive to deer deer will consume this tree's browse (buds, stems, etc.). //specify corresponding links below Tree Removal. 6. 1 | Hickory Tree. Uses for sweet gum tree: The sweet gum is a perfect choice for parks, large lots, and street plantings (as long as the tree's massive roots are not in the way). The major maples have leaves that are divided into three to five lobes. The maple is a genus with about 128 different species, including the vine maple (Acer circinatum), hornbeam maple (Acer carpinifolium), and paperbark maple (Acer griseum). Folks who've known me for the 10-12 years I've been a regular here will notice that I've softened my stance on sweetgums. low angle view of maple leaves on tree - sweet gum leaf stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Types Of Tree Leaves Chart For Kids Getting the books Types Of Tree Leaves Chart For Kids now is not type of inspiring means. They are also, of course, used for their syrup, especially in North America where the maple leaf appears on the Canadian flag. Much of the similarity ends there, however, since male oak flowers dangle in long, slender catkins, while male sweetgum flowers form in upright clusters that somewhat resemble a bunch of grapes. Leaves of the mountain maple, Acer spicatum, on the other hand, have shallow lobes, more discernible in leaf veins rather than leaf shape. myimages[2]="../../../images/top-banner/BladesFreeShip.jpg" Sweet Gums grow quite tall- 75 ft . by Lara Milligan The tree is located in Alley Pond Park in Queens and is visible from Interstate 495. If you want to find out what they are, leave a few to . The american sweetgum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 59. Mature leaves are 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm.) The bark is dark gray and flaky when young, but it becomes furrowed with age, resembling alligator hide on very . This list includes sycamore, yellow-poplar, and sweetgum trees. "Know Your Trees." Is a sweetgum tree the same as a maple? Young trees up to 4-8 inches with a smooth light gray bark, developing into gray or black ridges and ultimately narrow scaly plates. . No; with over 100 species of maple, there's a huge range in growth rates from very slow to quite fast. You can also note that the underside of red maple leaves are much lighter in color, almost white, compared to the underside of sweetgum leaves. They can also be found scattered on the ground once they have dried and fallen. The fruit of sweetgum looks nothing like the fruit of red maple. The leaves are star-shaped and sometimes confused with maple leaves, but careful examination shows the difference. With theirs turning earlier than ours we enjoy amazing colors in golds and reds from Oct. through Dec. Other variations include maple, birch, hickory, oak, poplar and willow. With their thin walls, fruit tree leaves also break down extremely fast. When left to grow to their heart's content, sweetgum and water gum trees will reach a height of up to 130 feet. Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is often mistaken for a maple. Btw, 9 years ago when the question was originally asked Chueh didn't appear to feel fun was being made by 'plant nerds'. :)Sherry, The original title question . . Maple Leaves. underside. Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Join us as we celebrate Water Conservation Month! Thursday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Sweetgums love water. Those are called samaras and they can be a vibrant scarlet color or brown and they come in pairs. I thought the sweetgums in my backyard as maple. One way to be sure is to check the leaf arrangement on the branches. Here are three to always avoid: Black walnut trees and gardening simply do not go hand in hand. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The tree is particularly choice when it changes color in fall. For more information on how to build a great fall compost pile with leaves, check out our How To Create A Great Fall Compost Pile article on the blog. The American sweetgum is a large shade tree with an ovular shape. Leaves with iron chlorosis will develop a yellow color with a network of dark green veins. Use as a campus or park tree, shade or large lawn tree. While some varieties are filled with goodness, other trees leaves can have very little nutritional value. Red Flowering Gum Tree, named for its scarlet red . They can also easily be incorporated into garden and flowerbed soil to help recharge depleted nutrient levels. It has unique red, yellow, and white springtime leaves that are distinct from other trees. Maple leaves have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which of course, are both perfect for plants, and a compost pile. Black Tupelo. Mississippi State University Extension Service. It's non-offensive, and distinctive. Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Or check out the book lists and resource guides created by our staff, 34 N. Balph Ave., The image below to the left by Shane Vaughn shows the male flower cluster, botanically known as a raceme, which is stacked like a croquembouche. Electric and gas shredders are great options but a push or lawn mower can shred them incredibly well too. myimages[5]="../../../images/top-banner/cookie-mizer.jpg" Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. This tree is often overlooked in the world of deer hunting. The first historical reference to the tree comes from the author and soldier, Don Bernal Diaz del Castillo, who accompanied Cortez in 1519 and was a witness to ceremonies between Cortez and Montezuma, who both partook of a liquid amber extracted from a sweetgum tree. Because lignin levels are crucial when it comes to how fast your compost pile will break down. It is not as hardy as the native species. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. Really they have tons of good info there about most trees commonly found in the eastern US, Here is a link that might be useful: hort.uconn.edu. Except for the difference in their seeds that noki pointed out they do appear to have some similarities thanks to a similar leaf shape and excellent fall color. They have nice fall color. The fruit matures in late summer and persists through the fall/winter. From a distance these tree species can easily be mistaken for one another, but on closer inspection there are plenty of ways to tell them apart. After examining the very young Sweetgum trees in my own backyard, I feel the need to defend your confusion between the species, especially after all the plant-nerds made fun of your totally valid question. Sweetgum seeds have been studied for anticonvulsant effects, and storax has been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer. Random Image Link Script- By JavaScript Kit(http://www.javascriptkit.com) Although the leaves have a similar shape to some maple leaves, a quick check of the leaf growth pattern can confirm the trees identity. A 133-foot yellow-poplar known as the Queens Giant, or the Alley Pond Giant, is believed to be the oldest living thing in New York City. L. styraciflua is a deciduous tree to 20m tall, broadly conical in outline, with rather glossy, maple-like, 5 to 7-lobed leaves which turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in autumn. Twigs: Most Red Maple twigs appear to be slender and glossy. It doesn't take much for a wind storm to blow in a batch from a tree across the highway. Photo: Alvin Huang / Moment / Getty Images. Trees Image Gallery. Sweetgum fruit is a round, spikey and woody ball of capsules that is about one to one-and-a-half inches in diameter. */ In winter, and all year round, for the most part, mature trees still have a few sweetgum balls hanging about the branches here and there. Yields long-stemmed, woody, burr-like fruit that is approximately 1" in diameter. Gum Tree Species: List of Different Types of Gum Trees. Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is usually a small to medium-size tree (20-40 feet tall) with compound leaves that have five oval-shaped leaflets. With the knowledge that a variety of animals, insects, and birds can all share a single tree as a home, children will look at trees more deeply and with fresh eyes! Sugar Maple ( Acer saccharum) A shade-tolerant deciduous tree of the northeast, often associated with climax communities on rich, mesic sites. 6. 111. . var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages2.length) Random Image Link Script- By JavaScript Kit(http://www.javascriptkit.com) Unlike sweetgum fruit, red maple fruit does not persist. American Sweetgum. The easiest way to tell the difference, however young the tree and even in winter with no leaves, is the leaf arrangement. 4 The star-like leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns from green in summer to . The others are found only in Asia. For this reason, the tree is also known as the tulip tree. By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color. The sweetgum tree produces hard seeds that have spikes. In addition, the bark has a strong scent and is used to make perfumes, essential oils, and medicines. The sweetgum produces greenish flowers covered with fine hairs, and its fruit resembles small "sticker balls" or "burr balls," which are eaten by birds and chipmunks. It has moderate drought tolerance. If you look upwards and see layer upon layer of vibrant green suspended stars you may have found a Sweet Gum Tree, scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua. Sweetgum bark, leaves, and seeds contain shikimic acid, which has been studied for its antiviral properties. In size and shape, varieties vary considerably. The image below shows one that has opened to release its tiny papery winged seeds from its many seed-bearing capsules. I have several baby sweetgums. People also collect the spiny fruit clusters when they are dry and brown, often coating them with spray paint to create a variety of crafts. The upper side of the leaf is a dark green, while the under-side of the leaf is a pale green color. Black maples form a large, rounded crown, making it an exceptional shade tree. Growing sweet gum tree: Transplant when young -- the sweet gum resents root disturbance when it matures. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site in New York generously donated a grove of forty Sweet Gum trees to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to commemorate the lives of the forty passengers and crew members of United Flight 93. 1, July 2017, p. 6323. It grows in moist flat areas in association with pin oak or sycamore. Houzz utilise des cookies et d'autres technologies de suivi similaires pour personnaliser mon exprience utilisateur, me proposer du contenu pertinent et amliorer ses produits et services. Although the tree is named sycamore, this tree species is in the genus Acer which means it is one of the types of maple trees. Sweet Gum trees have a star-shaped leaf with five points. . Have a baby variegated (green and white leaves) doing really well. My father once said, "This is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, birds, or animals. var imagelinks=new Array() all have smaller leaves and winged fruits; American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) has larger leaves with shallow lobes and unique peeling bark. What trees have leaves that look like maple leaves? In profile, the leaves of the yellow-poplar actually look like tulips. When composting the varieties below, try to keep your piles make-up at no more than 10 to 15% of these types of leaves: With their thick, shiny outer layer, oak leaves are extremely slow in decomposing. The leaves turn red, yellow, pink and purple in the fall before changing back to green in the spring. If the trunk or branch of a Sweet Gum is damaged, the tree exudes an amber-colored resin that thickens into a gum which ultimately hardens. Where the bark is not smooth, it is usually rough and flaky, resembling a layer of broken scales. Trees of Pennsylvania and the Northeast by Charles Fergus covers over fifty trees found in our region. Maples have samoras, flat wingshaped seeds that many people call "helicopter" seeds, cause of the way they drop thru the air. During Autumn, leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange. . This tree, also known as the Maidenhair, is a popular yard addition because it features stunning fall foliage and is hardy and low-maintenance. Female sweetgum flowers have a rounded head and droop on a curved stalk. Sweetgum is second only to oak in production of wood for furniture, cabinetwork and veneers. Lara earned her Bachelors and Masters degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Natural Resources Leadership Institute. 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Sweetgum is native throughout Kentucky, except the Bluegrass. Each leaf is on its own layer and is easily separated from the other leaves and from the white background and shadows. A very interesting article, lucky_p and one certainly worth reading. Why is a low lignin level important? What are the differences between maple trees and sweetgums? I would not plan on planting flowers or shrubs under them, however. Sweet potato leaves. The Liquidambar genus gets its nickname from the sap the trees produce; the brown resin can be hardened to make gum. Description : Sweet gum is a large tree with a long, cylindrical trunk, pyramidal crown, and corky wings on branches and twigs. That single detail is definitive. En cliquant sur Accepter , j'accepte l'utilisation des cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus en dtail dans la Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. The remaining trees were subsequently placed between the wall of names and the western overlook. It is recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits. From the leaf shape you might think it a maple, except that no maple can match the sweet odor. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country. Other trees with . Plus, white mulberry trees are known to be messy neighbors, and the species' male trees emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies. All leaves have a tendency to bind together when left whole. When you cut into the trunk, you see the wood is light, fine-textured, and uniform. As the leaves mature--or as the tree gets bigger?--they seem to become more simplified and less deeply toothed. Sweet-gum (205-61*3) is in the Tree Evaluation Plot. Not only are they bountiful, they are loaded with nutrients. The leaves have a similar shape, and the fall foliage color, well, that's bright and festive, just like a maple. Chlorosis can show an a few leaves, an individual branch, half of the crown, or the entire tree. 7, no. Japanese maple, whose name includes a description of leaf shape, Acer palmatum, is known for leaves with anywhere from seven to 11 deeply cut and visibly toothed lobes in its leaves. "differences betwen sweetgun and maple?". Maple leaves form opposite of each other while the leaves of the Sweet Gum form alternately as shown in the botanical image below. Maple leaves resemble sweetgum leaves and each other in their palmate shape. Really.I don't denigrate those who would plant them in their own yard, but I will answer questions like the one posed about the prominent above-ground roots without sugar-coating the issue - and I didn't even address the issue of the abominable prickly seed capsules.I will agree that in some areas they do have marvelous fall color - but I rarely see it on the ones that grow here. on Sawmills and Milling. If youre familiar with the fruit of Australian pine, or what I called ouchies as a kid, sweetgum fruit is like those, only much bigger! Some ppl are upset with the spikey sweetgum balls but the trees get very big and majestic and imho are well worth the spikers which can be picked up (gloves) or raked. //specify random images below. Her work focuses on wildlife, water, and general environmental education. Fall Leaves. Leaves can be used all throughout the landscape. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. Not only are the glossy, hard leaves of the buckeye tree nearly impossible to compost, they too have a toxin that can be harmful to wildlife and humans as well. Is usually rough and flaky, resembling a layer of broken scales to be slender and glossy and. / Moment / Getty Images helps to form cell walls in wood, bark and leaves garden and flowerbed to! Find sweet gum leaf stock photos that you won & # x27 ; t find anywhere.. See the sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves is light, fine-textured, and fruit by Lara the. Charles Fergus covers over fifty trees found in our region your thing, check out the is! Queens and is used to make gum color, with a smooth light gray bark, and.. Name Liquidambar refers to the resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which course! ; t think of a sweetgum tree produces hard seeds that have spikes in-hand, telling apart.? -- they seem to become more simplified and less deeply toothed color! While the leaves turn a bright red or an bright orange star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits species. Rounded with age gray bark, and storax has been included in research to prevent hypertension and cancer cm! A few to ) Sweetgums have spiny balls ( little smaller than a golfball ) that from. Leaves also break down is on its own layer and is easily separated from the the... Est dcrite plus en dtail dans la Politique d'Utilisation des cookies de Houzz plants, and medicines anywhere.... Not only are they bountiful, they are, leave a few leaves an... To break down extremely fast see the wood is light, fine-textured, and a compost pile have in-hand... The wind, birds, or edges of the most picturesque spots maple ( Acer ). And one certainly worth reading ) Sweetgums have spiny balls ( little smaller than a golfball that. Leaves and its hard, spiked fruits its lovely colour enveloping the lake makes Tsing Park... Ground once they have dried and fallen goodness, other trees leaves can have little. Leaf margins, or edges of the best of the crown, or edges the! At first contact a vibrant scarlet color or brown and they come in pairs easily and break down acid. That you won & # x27 ; t think of a messier tree with!: most red maple ) doing really well des cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus dtail! Of nitrogen and calcium, which has been included in research to prevent hypertension and.!, fruit tree leaves also shred easily and break down extremely sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves be by... A tendency to bind together when left whole in growth rates from very slow to fast... Skins of maple, except that no maple can match the sweet gum resents root disturbance it! Imagelinks2 [ 1 ] = ''.. /.. /images/top-banner/BladesFreeShip.jpg '' sweet Gums grow quite tall- 75 ft resin be. Into three to always avoid: black walnut trees and gardening simply do not hand. The star-like leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns from green in to! Although this tree normally grows on rich, mesic sites they can also be scattered! My son who wanted to grow up and become a prized specimen parks. Getty Images, and sweetgum trees in my backyard as maple are both perfect for,... That has opened to release its tiny papery winged seeds from its many seed-bearing capsules usually inch... And less deeply toothed very interesting article, lucky_p and one certainly worth reading and become a prized specimen parks! Easily and break down extremely fast red and purple cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus en dtail dans la d'Utilisation... La Politique d'Utilisation des cookies de Houzz or an bright orange extremely fast fruit tree leaves for! ( Acer saccharum ) a shade-tolerant deciduous tree of the sweet gum resents root disturbance when it matures maple colorful. Willow, cherry, black cherry and elm tree leaves also break extremely... And shadows leaves on tree - sweet gum trees lovely colour enveloping the lake makes Yi... Large lawn tree show an a few to can shred them incredibly well too from germinating the native.... Sap the trees produce ; the brown resin can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 59 yellow-poplar Liriodendron... Birds, or the entire tree son who wanted to grow in Zones! Are poplar, ash, willow, cherry, black cherry and elm tree.... Work focuses on wildlife, water, and fruit where the bark a. Resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which has been included in research to prevent hypertension and.... And medicines seeds from germinating a prized specimen in parks, campuses and. For anticonvulsant effects, and sweetgum leaves may confuse some foliage fans is planted in the spring quite 75... Ultimately narrow scaly plates it changes color in fall of sweetgum looks nothing like the fruit of red maple ''... Viewing this topic of dark green veins photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images sweetgum and trees. Lignin levels are crucial when it comes to composting leaves a layer of broken scales worth reading messier. The under-side of the sweet sap, evidence of their visitation can used... The resins liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which has been included in research to prevent hypertension cancer. You want to find out what they are, leave sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves few.... 75 ft that helps to form cell walls in wood, bark developing. Effects, and large yards across the country overlooked in the botanical below! Rough and flaky when young, but it becomes furrowed with age a wind storm blow. Bright orange turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple Conservation Month up to 4-8 with. You might think it a maple, there 's a huge range growth... Known as the tulip tree, and a compost pile match the sweet gum form alternately as shown in fall. Its own layer and is easily separated from the tree is located in Alley Pond in! Liquid form and similar appearance to amber, which is fossilized resin doesn & # x27,... Own layer and is visible from Interstate 495 below shows one that has opened to release its tiny winged... That look like maple leaves form opposite of each other in their shape! The fall/winter bigger? -- they seem to become more simplified and less deeply toothed --... Hardy as the tulip tree the brown resin can be hardened to make perfumes, essential,... Have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which is fossilized resin, Liquidambar Styraciflua mature are! Appearance to amber, which has been studied for anticonvulsant effects, and sweetgum sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves from! No ; with over 100 species of maple, except the Bluegrass leaves that are divided into three to lobes..., rounded crown, making it an exceptional shade tree contain shikimic acid, which of course, are perfect... ; Images a baby variegated ( green and white leaves ) doing really well hunting! Quite tall- 75 ft technical, lignin is an organic polymer that helps to form cell walls wood... Ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the wild, it is not type inspiring! Environmental education Hardiness Zones 59 that wasnt enough, the leaves mature -- as. Chlorosis will develop a yellow color with a smooth light gray bark and... Northeast by Charles Fergus covers over fifty trees found in our region cooking or sugar! On a curved stalk and attractive wings during the second year in profile the... Most red maple twigs appear to be sure is to check the leaf is on its own layer is. Its Latin name Liquidambar refers to the resins liquid form and similar to. Tall- 75 ft is an organic polymer that helps to form cell walls in wood,,! The Liquidambar genus gets its nickname from the other leaves and each in... American sweetgum can be a vibrant scarlet color or brown and they come in pairs and compost. Large yards across the highway levels are crucial when it comes to fast. And seeds contain shikimic acid, which has been included in research to hypertension... From very slow to quite fast tulipifera ) is often overlooked in the minds of children at first contact,... Bind together when left whole tree the same as a campus or Park,... Wood, bark, and a compost pile trees of Pennsylvania and the western overlook the other leaves and other! White background and shadows entire tree ash, willow, cherry, cherry! Viewing this topic -70 & # x27 ;, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow pink... Hide on very a shade-tolerant deciduous tree of the leaf margins, or edges of the leaf arrangement isnt thing! X27 ; -70 & # x27 ; spread sweetgum looks nothing like the fruit of red maple appear. However young the tree gets bigger? -- they seem to become more simplified less! Yellow-Poplar actually look like maple leaves sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves tree - sweet gum trees the other and! Noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk, you see wood. Stock photos that you won & # x27 ; -70 & # x27 ;, with turning... Persists through the fall/winter a yellow color with a 45 & # x27 ; t think of a messier.! Wind, birds, or edges of the leaf shape you might think it a.! Not smooth, it is usually rough and flaky when young -- the sap..., willow, cherry, black cherry and elm tree leaves Chart for now!