Slender Silhouette Sweetgum

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette')

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette') is a dramatic, columnar form of the native sweetgum tree, offering bold vertical interest and stunning fall color in tight spaces. With a mature width of just 4 to 6 feet and a soaring height of 40 to 60 feet, this narrow cultivar is ideal for creating strong lines in modern or traditional landscapes. Its dense foliage, upright habit, and adaptability make it a favorite for urban design, privacy screening, and architectural accents.

Distinctive Features

This unique selection is known for its extremely narrow profile and fastigiate growth, forming a tight column of glossy green, star-shaped leaves. In autumn, the foliage ignites in vibrant shades of red, orange, and burgundy, creating a striking seasonal display. Despite its compact width, 'Slender Silhouette' maintains the toughness and versatility of the species, making it suitable for a wide range of site conditions. While it may produce some seed balls, its form and performance more than compensate in most landscape settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to clay, loam, and average conditions
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Its columnar form creates a bold architectural statement
• Narrow Spaces: Fits tight planting sites where width is limited
• Privacy Screens: Tall and dense enough for seasonal screening in urban gardens
• Urban Landscapes: Perfect for street-side plantings, courtyards, and plazas
• Formal Designs: Works well in symmetrical layouts and structured plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed due to its naturally tight habit
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring if growth appears slow or soil is depleted
• Mulching: Use mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases

Why Choose Slender Silhouette Sweetgum?

• Space-Saving Design: Exceptional height with minimal footprint
• Spectacular Fall Color: Rich seasonal hues enhance any garden palette
• Urban Friendly: Thrives in compact city spaces and tough conditions
• Architectural Impact: Adds instant structure and drama to the landscape
• Focal Point: A striking vertical accent that elevates landscape design

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' brings height, color, and form to places where other trees won�t fit. Whether planted in rows or used as a single specimen, this narrow sweetgum creates powerful visual interest with minimal space and care requirements.