Sweetgum - Slender Silhouette

A Narrow, Upright Shade Tree with Brilliant Fall Color for Small Spaces

Sweetgum ‘Slender Silhouette’ is a distinctive, columnar selection of the native American Sweetgum, prized for its tall, narrow form and outstanding fall color. This deciduous tree maintains a tight, upright habit, making it ideal for landscapes where space is limited. With star-shaped green foliage in summer that turns vivid shades of red, orange, and purple in fall, ‘Slender Silhouette’ provides strong ornamental impact while remaining easy to maintain.

Key Features:
• Narrow, Upright Form: Grows in a slender, columnar shape, perfect for tight spaces, streetscapes, and vertical accents.
• Brilliant Fall Color: Foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple in autumn.
• Hardy and Resilient: A tough, adaptable tree that performs well in a wide range of soils and climates.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established and maintains its form naturally with little pruning.
• Native Variety: Provides ecological benefits and supports native wildlife.

Mature Size:
• Height: 40–60 feet
• Spread: 5–10 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Hardiness Zones:
Zones: 5–9

Chill Hours:
N/A (well-suited to a variety of climates)

Care Instructions:
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun (6+ hours daily) for best growth and fall color.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; tolerates occasional drought once mature.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches.
• Fertilization: Not typically required except in poor soils.

Landscape Uses:
• Ideal for narrow spaces such as side yards, driveways, and along property lines.
• Excellent as a vertical accent tree or screen in residential and commercial landscapes.
• Well-suited for streetscapes and urban plantings due to its compact footprint.
• Provides dramatic fall color without requiring a large planting area.

The Sweetgum ‘Slender Silhouette’ (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’) is an outstanding choice for landscapes needing height without width. Its upright form, low-maintenance nature, and spectacular fall color make it a perfect solution for modern landscapes, small yards, and tight planting spaces.