The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Gold Star sweetgum

Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel family)

Distribution: Species native from e. United States to Central America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This deciduous moderate-to-fast-growing tree is more narrow and upright than the species. It will grow to 60' in height and probably half that in spread. Star-shaped, 5-lobed leaves display a lovely pattern of variegation. Fall color is reportedly yellow from late September into November. Inconspicuous flowers produce 1½" round fruits that persist into winter. A good vertical accent in the landscape.