The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Stared 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 tree will grow to 60' tall and half that in spread. The large, star-shaped leaves have seven, very deeply cut lobes. The young leaves are tinted red upon first emerging, dark, glossy green in summer then sumptuous autumn color from red to deep purple. Habit is stiffly upright and vase shaped. Inconspicuous flowers produce 1½" round fruits that persist into winter. Makes a nice specimen or shade tree.