The sweetgum tree, which is native to North America, can reach a final height of between 20 and 40 meters. It is known in incense for its fragrant resin. Elsewhere it is best known for its wonderfully colored leaves in autumn
What do the leaves of the sweetgum tree look like and how do they change their colors?
The leaves of the sweetgum tree are long-stemmed, maple-like, arranged alternately, lobed and shiny. In spring to summer they are lush green, in autumn they turn brightly warm in shades of yellow, orange, red and even black-violet, depending on the location and variety.
From spring to summer
From the moment it shoots until late summer, the sweetgum tree presents itself in a rich green color. It sprouts its leaves between April and May. These are colored dark green on the top. The underside is more of a light green.
In autumn – bright warm colors
Autumn time means color time. Now the fantastic autumn colors of the leaves are starting! With them, the sweetgum tree is one of the most beautiful autumn-colored trees for gardens. Normally it starts around mid-September and the leaves slowly change color.
The colors range from yellow tones to orange and red tones. The leaves can even be black-violet in suitable locations. Basically, the sunnier, the more beautiful the autumn colors. In the shade the leaves have a more yellowish tint.
Wonderful colors between orange-red and purple are often achieved in the sun. The whole tree looks like a blazing campfire in October. It burns and glows and stands out clearly among other autumnally decorated trees. This autumn color can last up to 8 weeks! Then the leaves fall off
General characteristics of leaves
Whether in bud, in midsummer or autumn - the leaves have the following characteristics at all times:
- long-stemmed
- similar to those of maples
- alternately arranged
- easy to set up
- lobed (three, five or seven lobed)
- full edge to sawn (depending on the variety)
- tapering to the ends
- shiny on the surface
- 10 to 20 cm long
- linear stipules
- when crushed: sweet-smelling
Different varieties, different leaves
Not all sweetgum varieties have the same colors and characteristics. The hanging sweetgum tree is colored more yellow in autumn, the white-colored sweetgum tree shows an outstanding color gradient, the oriental sweetgum tree has rounded leaves and the yellow-shoot sweetgum tree is colored golden yellow when it shoots.
Tip
On soils with fewer nutrients, the autumn color of the leaves is both longer and more intense.
