Sweetgum, Slender Silhouette 2"

Slender Silhouette American Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Height: 40–50 feet tall in Michigan
Spread: 4–6 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for screening or 6–10 feet for individual presence
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Color: Yellow-green (not ornamentally significant)
Deciduous
Shade tree
Native to United States

Description
Slender Silhouette American Sweet Gum is a uniquely narrow columnar shade tree that delivers a grand vertical statement with surprisingly minimal footprint. This tree’s strong upright habit and deep green, star-shaped leaves offer a fresh, textural display all season long. In fall, the foliage transforms into a magnificent mix of burgundy, red, and orange, providing some of the finest seasonal color of any upright tree. It’s perfect for narrow spaces, privacy screens, or as a vertical accent where traditional shade trees would outgrow their space.

Despite its slim form, it maintains the robust character of the species without producing significant surface roots or excessive mess, and it typically has little to no fruit.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature

• Pruning: Minimal pruning required; prune in late winter to remove any dead or misdirected branches

With its bold columnar form, rich seasonal foliage, and space-saving shape, Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum is a magnificent vertical solution for landscapes where height is desired without sacrificing space.