Dwarf American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Oconee’
Yet another way to bring a large tree to a small yard! Instead of growing to 70 feet, ‘Oconee’ sweetgum is an uncommon selection that stays a manageable 15′ and dazzles in the fall with striking burgundy color. The fanciful star-shaped leaves of sweetgum can support Luna moth and cecropia moth caterpillars and its bizarre seed capsules, sometimes called “monkeyballs”, add texture in the fall and winter.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average moist soil
Size: 10′ – 15′ tall
Zone: 6 – 9
Wildlife Value: Larval host for Luna and Cecropia moths; seeds provide food for birds; provides cover for birds
