Sweetgum - Liquidamber styraciflua

The second most common street tree in Sunnyvale is the Sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua), also known simply as liquid amber.

Sweetgum are tall, shady trees with five-pointed star-shaped leaves (similar to maple leaves) and hard, spiked fruits. These trees were very popular in the Bay Area in the mid to late 20th century because they grow quickly and are both drought resistant and disease resistant. Unfortunately, the spiked fruits are a hazard to pedestrians. And it’s almost impossible to push a baby stroller over liquid amber fruits. In dry climates, such as Santa Clara County, when the trees become mature the strong roots cause expensive damage to sidewalks. Many cities have long-term urban forestry plans to gradually replace all sweetgum trees with an alternate species.

Raynor Park along Partridge Ave, Sunnyvale, CA

The leaves are palmately-lobed (i.e. the lobes radiate around a common point) and consist of 3-7 lobes up to 5"-7" wide.



Where to find them: Some examples of liquid amber trees are along Inverness Way, Leighton Way, Peacock Ave and the 1500 block of Meadowlark Lane (between Inverness and Exmoor).


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