Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' Sweet Gum

'Slender Silhouette' is a tall columnar cultivar of the sweet gum.  As it matures, it will maintain its erect, uniform, columnar form, growing upwards with the top of the tree about the same width as near the bottom. It will grow to a height of 50 to 60 feet and a width of 5 to 6 feet. The bark is deeply furrowed as the tree ages. The deciduous leaves are star-shaped, and the tree produces fruits that are rounded prickly, woody capsules. Initially, they seem fruitless, but gradually they begin to produce a few fruits. The yields from year to year can fluctuate. The fall foliage color is unpredictable, but it may be in shades of yellow, orange, red, or burgundy.

'Slender Silhouette' is best planted in poor soils and tough spots to insure slower growth and maintain its more narrow habit. If t is planted in ideal conditions, the tree can grow too rapidly and split open. Plant in the full sun, and moist, well-drained soils. Although it is dry soil tolerant when mature, during the first year, the soil should be kept moist without overwatering. Apply a 3-4" layer of mulch around the base to assist the fleshy roots in maintaining moisture as well as to moderate the temperatures. 

ldeal for thin or narrow spaces like small gardens as a vertical accent plant, screening or tall planting that borders along property lines.