Trees

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'

Slender Silhouette sweetgum

Slender Silhouette sweetgum. Form in a garden Aug. 12–Wake Co., NC.

A very narrow, upright sweetgum that creates a strong vertical accent without a broad canopy. Star-shaped leaves may develop yellow, orange, red or burgundy fall color. It produces fewer seed balls than typical sweetgum, but should not be treated as completely fruitless.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun / Part shade
Size: Height: 50 ft.–60 ft. · Width: 5 ft.–6 ft.
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9

Sizes & prices

#7$169.99
#10Columnar Sweet Gum$209.99
#15Columnar Sweet Gum$224.99
#7$159.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Shade tree; Ornamental specimen; Screening
Form: Columnar; Dense; Erect
Growth rate: Rapid
Fruit / litter: Produces fewer spiny seed balls than species; variable crops, not fruitless
Major issues: Alkaline soil can cause chlorosis. Even the sparse spiny fruit can be troublesome near walks or barefoot areas.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Listed as resistant; protect young trees from browsing and antler rubbing.
Drought: Dry-soil tolerance after establishment; keep newly planted roots moist.
Wet soil: Occasional wetness tolerated; avoid excessive watering during establishment.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths
Birds: Seeds provide food
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous
Fruit: Fewer seed balls than typical sweetgum, but not reliably fruitless.

Growing & care

Pruning: Remove outlying branches selectively in late winter before leaf emergence; retain its narrow framework.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated; occasional wetness tolerated

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

NC State Extension

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Cathy DeWitt · CC BY 4.0

Image notes: Slender Silhouette sweetgum. Form in a garden Aug. 12–Wake Co., NC. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.