Quick answer: Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is native to 22 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Deep, moist, alluvial loams - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, acid-based |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 75-130 ft |
| Wildlife value | Seed balls attract birds, nesting sites, cover and fruit for birds/mammals |
Invasive / regulated
none noted formally; can become aggressive in moist sandy soils, fruits do not decompose readily
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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