When does alligator-wood bloom?

Liquidambar styraciflua produces small greenish flower clusters in May and June, followed later by its distinctive spiky seed capsules.

How much light does alligator-wood need?

This tree grows best in full sun to part shade. It tends to develop a fuller canopy and better fall color with more direct sun.

What kind of soil moisture does alligator-wood prefer?

Liquidambar styraciflua favors consistently moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate periodic wet conditions, making it suited to bottomland and lowland sites.

What pollinates alligator-wood flowers?

Bees and beetles visit the small spring flowers of Liquidambar styraciflua, though the tree also relies on wind for much of its pollen dispersal.

Is alligator-wood deciduous?

Yes, Liquidambar styraciflua is deciduous, dropping its star-shaped leaves each fall after they turn shades of red, orange, or purple.

Is Sweetgum toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sweetgum as toxic to livestock.

Is Sweetgum HOA-friendly?

Sweetgum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Sweetgum

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Liquidambar styraciflua

Last reviewed: October 2026

Liquidambar styraciflua, sometimes called alligator-wood for its bark, is a tall deciduous tree that flowers in May and June and grows well in moist, warm temperate lowlands and woodlands.

Toxicity unknown

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sweetgum as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

600"–720" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, FL and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Sweetgum.

Try it with your yard

American Sweetgum is a large native shade tree known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves and spiky seed balls. It provides excellent fall color ranging from yellow to deep red and purple. This adaptable tree tolerates various soil conditions and urban environments well.

Growing Sweetgum

Grow Sweetgum in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sweetgum is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spiky seed balls can be considered messy and may create cleanup issues
Very large mature size may not suit smaller residential lots
Seed balls can be a foot traffic hazard

Wildlife value

Host plant for tiger swallowtail, viceroy butterfly.

Supports bees and beetles with its spring flowers, though blooms are not particularly showy. The tree also provides nesting sites for birds and its seeds feed various wildlife species.

Common questions

When does alligator-wood bloom?: Liquidambar styraciflua produces small greenish flower clusters in May and June, followed later by its distinctive spiky seed capsules.
How much light does alligator-wood need?: This tree grows best in full sun to part shade. It tends to develop a fuller canopy and better fall color with more direct sun.
What kind of soil moisture does alligator-wood prefer?: Liquidambar styraciflua favors consistently moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate periodic wet conditions, making it suited to bottomland and lowland sites.
What pollinates alligator-wood flowers?: Bees and beetles visit the small spring flowers of Liquidambar styraciflua, though the tree also relies on wind for much of its pollen dispersal.
Is alligator-wood deciduous?: Yes, Liquidambar styraciflua is deciduous, dropping its star-shaped leaves each fall after they turn shades of red, orange, or purple.
Is Sweetgum toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sweetgum as toxic to livestock.
Is Sweetgum HOA-friendly?: Sweetgum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Sweetgum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app