Sometimes the sweetgum is my favorite tree. It has all the attributes. It is large. It’s green in the summer, colorful in the fall, solemn and stately in the winter. And it’s easy to identify, an important point for people like me. The tree is often called liquidambar, which is the scientific genus name. There are several species in the genus, but only one in North America: liquidambar styraciflua. I appreciate the need for scientific precision, but I will continue to refer to the tree by its nickname. The sweetgum is native to eastern North America, but it is extensively planted in California. For example, it is the third most common street tree in El Cerrito. Sweetgum identification is generally easy. The leaves are usually described as star-shaped. Some maples have a similar appearance, but the leaves of all maples are opposite each other on the branch, whereas the sweetgum leaves are alternate. One major reason for the tree’s popularity is its wonderful fall color. It doesn’t limit itself to any one color, but takes on the entire autumn spectrum. The tree has become unpopular with city governments. Their criticisms are valid. Sweetgums can be brittle and have invasive roots, and the spiky balls are a nuisance. Fortunately, there are so many trees already planted that we will be able to enjoy sweetgums for decades to come.
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