Sweetgum

Mature Height: 60'-75'

Mature Width: 40'-50' 

Sunlight: Full Sun

Growth Rate: Medium, Fast

Shape: Oval 

Fall Foliage: Yellow, Orange, Red

Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweetgum is a large, medium to fast-growing shade tree with unique star-shaped leaves.  It has small one-and-a-half-inch ball-shaped seed pods that are enjoyed by many birds.  This tree is also a vital host plant for many native moth species, including the luna moth!

ATTRACTS:

Cecropia moth

Io moth

Luna moth

Eastern towhee

American goldfinch

Yellow-bellied sapsucker

***Luna moths overwinter in a cocoon wrapped in leaf litter on the ground***

Leave fallen leaves alone or blow them to the side to ensure they emerge next season.

Luna moth cocoon

Fallen leaves

Luna moths

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