Liquidambar Gold Dust

Gold Dust Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gold Dust’ (Gold Dust Sweetgum) is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal to broadly oval habit, featuring glossy, star-shaped green leaves flecked or streaked with golden variegation. New growth may show pinkish tones, and fall color can develop shades of pink, yellow, burgundy, red, and purple. This cultivar is grown primarily for its unusual foliage and collector appeal.

Type: Tree (Deciduous)
Mature Size: 25–30' W × 40–45' H
USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Pyramidal to broadly oval

Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture and is drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Inconspicuous spring flowers; not ornamental

Wildlife: Birds (cover), minimal pollinator value

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a specimen tree or collector plant in larger landscapes. The gold-speckled variegation gives the foliage a distinctive “dusted” look through the growing season, and the tree adds strong fall color as the season progresses.

Care:
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil with room to mature. Water regularly during establishment, then provide supplemental water during prolonged dry periods. Like other sweetgums, it may produce spiky seed balls, so

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree

Height

40-45'

Width

25-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Fall color

Red, Yellow

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Provide Shade, Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

Broad, Oval, Pyramidal

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No