Moraine Sweetgum

The Moraine Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Moraine’) is a large-sized shade tree. It is known to be the most cold hardy cultivar of Sweetgum. Anchored by a strong central leader, its canopy is narrower and pyramidal when young and spreads in maturity while generally keeping its pyramidal shape. It has attractive glossy foliage that is star-shaped and forest green in the spring and summer while turning bright red and purple in the fall. Its bark is corky, especially in the northern part of its range, and deeply ridged as it matures. 

The Moraine Sweetgum is a Siebenthaler Nursery introduction. This cultivar is known for its cold hardiness and vivid fall colors. It does produce fruit that may be messy, so plant in a place where this will not be an issue. Looks great as a specimen tree with its fine form, interesting bark, and beautiful fall colors. Great for parks or large yards as long as they have 8-10 feet of open space around the base for its roots to spread. It does best in full sun and prefers moist soils (should not be allowed to dry out).