Variegated American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’
How sweet it is! Sporting unique star-shaped green leaves with bold white margins, this is one of the most remarkable variegated native trees we grow. The entire tree glows in the landscape and provides dynamic contrast against darker evergreens. In the fall, the flashy foliage is suffused throughout with purples and yellows. Although it looks like it would be a sluggish grower, it’s actually moderately fast and can grow up to 20 feet in 10 years. Mature specimens produce little gumballs which not only add ornamental appeal, but are also irresistible to finches, chickadees, wrens, and doves.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; wet, moist, and average soil.
Size: 30′ – 40′ tall, 15′ – 20′ wide
Zone: 5 – 9
Wildlife Value: Host plant for over 30 butterflies and moths; chickadees, finches, and other birds feast on the seeds
