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Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
In the United States:
Native
· also called sweet gum, American sweetgum
Honeybees visit sweetgum primarily for pollen during its inconspicuous spring flowers, as the tree is mainly wind-pollinated with minimal nectar production. Peak bloom aligns with mid-spring in temperate climates, providing a brief window of forage over about three weeks. Management includes handling the prickly seed balls that drop in fall, which can pose hazards in high-traffic areas, and the tree benefits from well-drained soils to prevent root issues.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | April–May |
| Duration | ~3 weeks |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |
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