Is Slender Silhouette Sweetgum an Evergreen?

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum ( scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’) is a magnificent and popular ornamental tree that has been gracing landscapes since its introduction in the 1950s. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that grows up to 40 feet tall and spreads out 25 feet wide.

It is most notable for its deep green summer foliage, which turns a range of colors in the Fall, from yellow to orange to red and purple. Its bark is smooth and gray, with shallow furrows that run along the trunk creating an interesting texture.

The Slender Silhouette Sweetgum tree needs full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils but can also tolerate slightly dry conditions. It will grow in a variety of soil types including clay, loamy, sand and acidic soils. This adaptable tree is hardy in USDA growing zones 5 through 9.

Although this tree has an attractive shape with its pyramidal form, it does require pruning or it will become excessively wide with age. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before growth begins for the season.

This beautiful ornamental tree also produces spiky seed balls that are not desirable if planted near walkways or areas frequented by people or pets. However, they do provide food for birds during winter months when other food sources are sparse.

So, is Slender Silhouette Sweetgum an evergreen? No, it is not an evergreen; it is actually deciduous and loses its foliage during winter months. This allows for a spectacular range of colors during autumn months before the leaves fall off for the season.

In conclusion, Slender Silhouette Sweetgum is an attractive deciduous tree that provides interest year-round with its lush summer foliage that turns into vibrant colors during Fall months before shedding its leaves during winter time . Pruning may be needed to keep this majestic beauty from becoming overly wide with age and its spiky seed balls can be unsightly if planted near walkways or areas frequented by people or pets but provide food for birds when other sources are sparse during winter months .