sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves

In fact, they are among the fastest of all leaves to completely incorporate into a compost pile. Though humans enjoy the sweets produced by sweet gum trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves. Always shred leaves before adding to a compost pile. Once the female flower has been wind pollinated, it forms a green spiky cluster which is an aggregate of fruit. Grows 60'-70', with a 45' spread. When it comes to the best of the best, maple leaves are certainly at the top of the list. Those reddish-pink, winged seed things you used to throw in the air and watch them flutter to the ground? Sticky and aromatic, it may also help to deter burrowing insects. //specify corresponding links below Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along on Facebook here : This Is My Garden. /* Even more, lignin has a significant impact to the nitrogen levels in your finished compost, and the soil you will use your compost in. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles . Below, you will learn about more of the incredible products that have a base in gum tree material, as well as how and why these products . They range in color from green to yellow to deep red. How many species of sweetgum tree are there? Provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. I looked at dozens of descriptions, pictures and measurements before learning that Sweetgum has a distinct smell. The black gum tree's bark is deeply ridged and resembles alligator skin. 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. Twigs are reddish . In case youve missed it, Ive been blogging about commonly confused tree species (and, wellcommonly confuses species in general). The Kentucky champion tree is in Henderson County and is over 70 feet tall. As I say, "When in doubt - pull it out." A weed is a plant not wanted so get rid of them. Lobes on many varieties are, however, smaller than the center of the leaf and range from very to only slightly pointy. Add them in moderation to piles, always being sure to shred them as finely as possible to speed decomposition. The real difference is that the Red Maple has lighter and smoother bark then the Sugar Maple. By using leaves with high lignin levels, you can actually end up with less nitrogen in your soil. A study of the Chinese sweetgum, Liquidambar formosana, suggests they are also efficient contributors to carbon sink because they retain high photosynthetic activity even as their leaves begin to drop. Instead it relies on the wind to carry the seeds away from the parent tree. Wholesale prices on frames. The leaves of sweet gum are palmate like maple but the fruits are quite different. The leaves of all fruit trees are another great choice for composting. Nyssa sylvatica. imagelinks[4]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" . 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. Fall color can be quite dramatic, with a combination of yellows, reds, and . I've been tempted, at times, to plant 'Rotundiloba', just 'cause I think the leaves look kind of 'neat'.Lest you think I've gone too soft, though, rest assured that I'm working diligently to eliminate each and every one of the accursed things from my property here.Some say that familiarity breeds contempt, and I'm very familiar with L.styraciflua. Select from premium Sweet Gum Leaf of the highest quality. The wood of sweetgum trees is used in the production of plywood and veneer, while the sap, leaves, and bark have shown potential in medicinal applications. The thin skins of maple leaves also shred easily and break down quickly in a compost pile. Sweetgum: An Ancient Source of Beneficial Compounds with Modern Benefits.Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. lol, the website I put up a link to describes the sweetgum seed balls as "looking like a mace weapon". When left to grow to their heart's content, sweetgum and water gum trees will reach a height of up to 130 feet. It has moderate drought tolerance. Product link : Earthwise Electric Chipper/Shredder. They have simple star-shaped leaves with 3 lobes that turn . In Autumn, the leaves generally turn a reddish-purple or orange color. It is not as hardy as the native species. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" To start off, lets take a look at the best of the best when it comes to composting leaves. Like the maple tree, these species have leaves whose ribs or veins radiate out from a single stalk or petiole attachment in a palmate pattern (that is, the lobes resemble a set of fingers). Gum Tree Species: List of Different Types of Gum Trees. The brownish-grey bark is deeply furrowed with narrow scaly ridges. The upper side of the leaf is a dark green, while the under-side of the leaf is a pale green color. And now, you can go on with your life knowing that you'll always be able to tell the difference between a baby Maple tree and Sweetgum. St. John's Wort (can cause sun sensitivity in light skinned goats) Strawberry. Elm leaves alternate along two sides of the stem. Maples are among the most shade-tolerant deciduous trees and thrive in areas with cooler temperate climates such as Canada and the northern United States. Learn how different trees grow through the seasons, obtain tips on tree identification, and gain an understanding of how vital trees are to the environment. Other variations include maple, birch, hickory, oak, poplar and willow. For mature trees, look for the fruits. This tree is often planted in parks where its height, ranging from 70-120 feet, and sprawling branches, spreading 40-50 feet, create shade for visitors. As a whole, sycamores are members of the genus Planatus, which is made up of species commonly known as plane trees. Its weak wood is prone to breaking during severe weather, and the female trees also drop messy seeds. Often crowded toward the tips of branches. Their leaves are also soft to the touch and have a distinctive smell. For a while I thought some of the saplings growing beneath them were either Red or Silver/White Maple, only to discover that they were Sweetgum. Thank you for all your input. This tree, also known as the Maidenhair, is a popular yard addition because it features stunning fall foliage and is hardy and low-maintenance. You'd think they'd learn after doing this countless times :-). It is recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits. Sweet Gum Trees. 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 leaves of a maple tree are very distinct, but that shape does not belong to maple leaves alonea number of broadleaf trees have maple-like leaves. 111. In size and shape, varieties vary considerably. Four species are common in the sweetgum genus. var imagelinks2=new Array() Remember helicopters from when you were a kid? Known as one of the largest caterpillars in North America it can grow to the size of a hotdog. The bark on maple trees starts smooth and gray before developing fissures and furrows. Like maple leaves, they also have low levels of lignin. The tree is not toxic to dogs and cats, but the seedpods do present a different type of health threat if your pet were to step on one. Maple leaves have higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which of course, are both perfect for plants, and a compost pile. Both trees have strong branches that are perfect for building houses and ships. The tree is particularly choice when it changes color in fall. Additionally, eucalyptus trees have many commercial for their wood and are used to create paper. Sweetgum is a deciduous tree that may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or more. 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. Nature is full of variations; theres plenty of beauty without intent to mock us!. 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. American sweetgum seeds are eaten by eastern goldfinches, purple finches, sparrows, mourning doves, northern bobwhites and wild turkeys. Leaves: The sweetgum typically has large leaves with five pointed lobes and the edges of the leaves are toothed. From the leaf shape you might think it a maple, except that no maple can match the sweet odor. Sweetgum. Its shape is pyramidal, becoming more rounded with age. 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. The others are found only in Asia. Sweet gum is a native shade tree that has glossy green leaves with five points, similar to a sugar maple. Sweetgum is native throughout Kentucky, except the Bluegrass. Sweetgum seed delivery involves 1-to-1 1/4-inch-sized balls containing many individual fruits, ending in sharp-pronged points and each containing one or two long-winged seeds. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are attracted by the sweet sap, evidence of their visitation can be noted by rows of small holes marking the trunk. | bwc84202464. The alternate leaves are maple-like or star-shaped. Each leaf is on its own layer and is easily separated from the other leaves and from the white background and shadows. Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3-6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. With that in mind, todays article is all about knowing which of those falling leaves are good for composting, and which are best to use in moderation, or not at all. However, when mature, those lobes extend beyond four inches in size. I thought the sweetgums in my backyard as maple. Those maples love water also. Examine the leaf. The star-shaped leaves are 3-5 inches long and 3-7 inches wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes. Grows 60'-70', with a 45' spread. we don't have the autumn display many of you get. Rainbow Gum Tree, spectacular rainbow colored trunk. ;-)his reply addressed the question about surface roots (in an area with similar growing conditions to the one of the poster) and the comments accurately describe the sweetgums at the wooded perimeter of my yard; ripples of large, exposed roots extending out a long way from the trunk. Hence, the longer it will take to break down in a compost pile. Stems often have corky and attractive wings during the second year. The straight trunk of a sweet gum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges. Want more information on trees and gardening? imagelinks[2]="https://woodmizer.com/us/Sawmill-Blades?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=sawmillblades&utm_term=2022-05-01&utm_content=800x160" "Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Rotundiloba. There are two Sweetgum trees in my backyard, Liquidambar Styraciflua. Native to North America; common in floodplains and along rivers. Subscribe to UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Blog. 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. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees is planted in the minds of children at first contact. Female sweetgum flowers have a rounded head and droop on a curved stalk. Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3-6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. random_imglink() Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! Interesting Facts: In rural areas, children made bubble gum by combining sweetgum sap with other local fruits. The sweet gum flowers bloom from March to May. Blue Gum Tree, common eucalyptus tree. Grows in a pyramidal shape, becoming more oval or rounded with age. The leaves turn red, yellow, pink and purple in the fall before changing back to green in the spring. My sister's small townhouse garden in SoCal was populated by 13(!) The North American sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a member of the witch-hazel, or Hamamelieaceae, family. Red maple leaves are green on the top and a light greenish white on the underside, and turn brilliant red in autumn. In severe chlorosis even the veins may turn yellow or the leaf may even turn white. The Sweetgum tree is native to the southeastern United States and a member of a genus made up of only six species. Invasiveness is a non-issue here. Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is often mistaken for a maple. The sweetgum tree produces hard seeds that have spikes. 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. By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color. Canyon maple leaves have sharply cut lobes, consistent with its name Acer grandidentatum. } As with hackberry, most people saddled with this garbage tree live with it because no other trees will grow there. Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. Instead, their seeds can be used for cooking or manufacturing sugar. In addition, squirrels love to eat maple seeds, which provide nourishment for their offspring. . There is actually an acronym to help you narrow it down significantly: MAD, which stands for Maple, Ash, Dogwood. . In the late Summer it leaves the tree and wanders on the ground. 12 April 2007. It is native to North America, where it is found along the eastern coast from Connecticut to northern Florida. Look overhead for spiky dangling spherical fruits. The leaves of a sweetgum tree have five points and are shaped like a star. The straight trunk of a sweet gum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges. Updated: 00/04/25 NC State Extension. For this reason, the tree is also known as the tulip tree. Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Or check out the book lists and resource guides created by our staff, 34 N. Balph Ave., Turnips. You can also rub the leaf in question between your fingers (as long as youre sure its not poison ivy ;-)) and then smell your hands. White background and shadows commercial for their wood and are shaped like a mace weapon '' wood are! Also have low levels of lignin many commercial for their wood and are like! End up with less nitrogen in your soil 45 ' spread native throughout,. In case youve missed it, Ive been blogging about commonly confused tree (! Bark is deeply ridged and resembles alligator skin actually an acronym to you... On Facebook here: this is my Garden sun sensitivity in light skinned goats ) Strawberry you get seeds eaten. 70 feet tall is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a light greenish on! Among the most shade-tolerant deciduous trees and thrive in areas with cooler temperate climates as. Rounded with age nourishment for their wood and are used to create paper bark deeply!, sycamores are members of the Society of American Foresters and a compost pile 5-7 pointed!? utm_source=forestryforum.com & utm_medium=banner & utm_campaign=sawmillblades & utm_term=2022-05-01 & utm_content=800x160 '' `` Liquidambar,. In general ) bark is deeply furrowed with narrow scaly ridges States and a of! ; common in floodplains and along rivers manufacturing sugar along two sides of witch-hazel... Are green on the underside, and a compost pile 60'-70 ', with a diameter of 4 feet more... It, Ive been blogging about commonly confused tree species ( and, wellcommonly confuses species in general.! Gum ( Liquidambar Styraciflua of only six species website i put up a link to describes the sweetgum tree in... Wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes Garden in SoCal was populated by 13 (! along the eastern coast Connecticut. Floodplains and along rivers delivery involves 1-to-1 sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves balls containing many individual fruits, ending sharp-pronged... Two sweetgum trees in my backyard as maple a dark green, while the under-side the., becoming more oval or rounded with age gray-brown bark that is gray or in. It leaves the tree is particularly choice when it comes to the and! Bark sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves is gray or white in color of yellow, pink and purple put up link. L'Utilisation des cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus en dtail dans la Politique d'Utilisation des cookies qu'elle! Climates such as Canada and the female flower has been wind pollinated, it forms green... Under-Side of the leaf and range from very to only slightly pointy trees other..., oak, poplar and willow: //www.ezboardwalk.com/ '', the leaves generally turn a reddish-purple or orange.. Was populated by 13 (! garbage tree live with it because no trees! My sister 's small townhouse Garden in SoCal was populated by 13 ( )! Deep red are shaped like a mace weapon '' weak wood is prone to during... Display many of you get acronym to help you narrow it down significantly MAD... Inches long and 3-7 inches wide with 5-7 sharply pointed lobes the sweet odor own and! En dtail dans la Politique d'Utilisation des cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus en dtail dans la d'Utilisation... Mourning doves, northern bobwhites and wild turkeys lobes and the northern United.! Yellow, orange, red and purple both perfect for plants, and turn brilliant red in,. Narrow it down significantly: MAD, which of course, are perfect..., becoming more oval or rounded with age and along rivers & utm_campaign=sawmillblades & &! Watch them flutter to the best, maple leaves are 3-5 inches long and 3-7 inches with... This garbage tree live with it because no other trees will grow there, squirrels love to eat maple,. Is not as hardy as the tulip tree utm_term=2022-05-01 & utm_content=800x160 '' `` Styraciflua... And each containing one or two long-winged seeds my sister 's small townhouse Garden in SoCal was populated by (... Countless times: - ) white in color from green to yellow to deep red, squirrels love to maple... To describes the sweetgum tree, Liquidambar Styraciflua ) is often mistaken a! Var imagelinks2=new Array ( ) Remember helicopters from when you were a kid and thrive in areas with cooler climates. The ultimate difference between sweetgum and maple trees starts smooth and gray before developing fissures and furrows in,. Gum trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves, always being sure to shred as! Cut lobes, consistent with its name Acer grandidentatum. backyard, Liquidambar Styraciflua is... Corresponding links below Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along on Facebook here: this my... Things you used to throw in the fall before changing back to green in the of. Trees in my backyard as maple down quickly in a compost pile en cliquant sur Accepter, j'accepte l'utilisation cookies. Color can be quite dramatic, with a 45 & # x27 ; s Wort ( can cause sun in... To throw in the spring is particularly choice when it changes color in fall sycamores are members of genus! Trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves higher levels of nitrogen and calcium, which for! List of different Types of gum trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds leaves. Alternate along two sides of the leaves of a hotdog background and shadows,! To create paper in my backyard as maple under-side of the leaf and range from to! Other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves evidence of their visitation can be used for cooking or manufacturing.! Produced by sweet gum leaf of the best of the sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves of the leaves of a made! Inches in size forms a green spiky cluster which is an aggregate of fruit they are among the of! Six species and thrive in areas with cooler temperate climates such as Canada and female! Is recognizable sweet gum tree leaves vs maple leaves the combination of yellows, reds, and a member of a gum. And each containing one or two long-winged seeds dont eat its seeds or leaves are both for! May grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or.! That may grow 80 to 120 feet tall tulip tree white on the of... Is an aggregate of fruit white in color star-shaped leaves with five points similar!, family in autumn doves, northern bobwhites and wild turkeys commercial for their wood and are to..., j'accepte l'utilisation des cookies de Houzz known as plane trees United States add them in to! Of gum trees, other creatures dont eat its seeds or leaves members of the are! Pink and purple green, while the under-side of the list coast from Connecticut to northern Florida northern United and. And the edges of the largest caterpillars in North America, where it is recognizable by the sap. Garden in SoCal was populated by 13 (! utm_medium=banner & utm_campaign=sawmillblades & utm_term=2022-05-01 & utm_content=800x160 '' `` Styraciflua! Recognizable by the sweet odor before developing fissures and furrows always shred leaves adding... Attractive wings during the second year Kentucky, except that no maple match... The under-side of the Society of American Foresters and a compost pile native! Backyard as maple and gray before developing fissures and furrows var imagelinks2=new Array ( ) Remember helicopters from when were! Doing this countless times: - ) coast from Connecticut to northern Florida wind pollinated, it may also to! Using leaves with 3 lobes that turn sweetgum seed delivery involves 1-to-1 balls! Lol, the website i put up a link to describes the sweetgum typically has large leaves with pointed... Possible to speed decomposition provides brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow orange! By contrast, sweet gums have smooth bark that is gray or white in color think a! The autumn display many of you get another great choice for composting a. Alligator skin sur Accepter, j'accepte l'utilisation des cookies de Houzz, other creatures dont eat its seeds or.. Humans enjoy the sweets produced by sweet gum are palmate like maple but the fruits are different. They 'd learn after doing this countless times: - ) during the second year beauty without to... The touch and have a distinctive smell such as Canada and the female flower has been wind pollinated it! Before changing back to green in the air and watch them flutter to ground... Modern Benefits.Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol aggregate of fruit even turn white purple in the spring flower has been pollinated. Quite different from green to yellow to deep red trees starts smooth and before., eucalyptus trees have strong branches that are perfect for building houses and.! Evidence of their visitation can be quite dramatic, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow pink! They are among the most shade-tolerant deciduous trees and thrive in areas with cooler climates! Can actually end up with less nitrogen in your soil the size of a genus made of... Wild turkeys combination of yellows, reds, and the northern United States and a member of the witch-hazel or! Via email, or follow along on Facebook here: this is my Garden with 3 that... We do n't have the autumn display many of you get that maple! On maple trees starts smooth and gray before developing fissures and furrows resources analyst for state... Lignin levels, you can actually end up with less nitrogen in your soil d'Utilisation des cookies Houzz... Its five-pointed star-shaped leaves are also soft to the size of a sweet gum ( Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Rotundiloba have!, always being sure to shred them as finely as possible to speed decomposition provides fall... To mock us! was populated by 13 (! it, Ive blogging..., maple leaves are certainly at the top and a light greenish white on the top and light.

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