Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua L.

Family: Altingiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Hazard to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

spiky fruit balls are a slip and foot hazard when they fall (UF/IFAS); no poison section on the NC State page

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

slip hazard, spiny fruit underfoot

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: neither source makes a pet toxicity statement and NC State has no poison severity line for this plant. That silence is not an all clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 5B through 10A per UF/IFAS
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 60 to 100 ft tall and 40 to 50 ft wide (18 to 30 m tall, 12 to 15 m wide). UF/IFAS: 60 to 75 ft tall and 35 to 50 ft wide (18 to 23 m tall, 11 to 15 m wide).
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern United States and Mexico; found in wet river bottoms, swamps and drier uplands. UF/IFAS: native to North and Central America.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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