Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group)
American Sweetgum

Plaque that says 'Dedicated as a living memorial to Purdue University's aerospace tradition, this is one of the several Sweetgum trees resulting from seeds shuttled into space by 1971 Purdue graduate Astronaut Charles Walker in August, 1984. Several of the resulting seedlings were donated to the University by Astronaut Walker and Mayor John Williams, both of Bedford, Indiana. The Sweetgums were dubbed `The Shuttlegums` by Purdue Grounds staff who nurtured the trees in the University nursery before transplanting to he Campus. October 23, 1993'
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flowers:
Yellow (Yellow-green in the spring; not ornamentally important)
 Foliage:
Green (Dark green star-shaped leaves in the summer); Multi-Colored (The stunning fall foliage ranges from scarlet to yellow to bronze, sometimes all at once)
 Fruit:
Brown (Interesting, round, multi-horned fruits beginning green, maturing brown; can cause litter problems)
 Light Requirements:
 Soil:
Widely adapted to different soils
 Range:
Eastern United States and into Mexico
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Leaves alternate, simple, 4-7.5" long and wide, star-shaped (5-7 pointed lobes), and finely serrate. Ovate buds (0.25-0.5" long) are reddish green-brown. Stems are rounded to somewhat angled, often developing corky wings. Sap has gum-like consistency.
 Ecological Functions:
 Special Characteristics:
  • Fall Color 214
  • Indiana Native 154
  • Shade Tree 172
  • Specimen 602
  • Street Tree 130
  • Slow Growth Rate 269

    • Additional Information

    This group of Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) trees was germinated in August of 1984 aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Purdue astronaut Charles Walker of Bedford, Indiana, brought back 200 tiny trees; these recognize Purdue's many astronauts. Sweetgums are handsome shade trees with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by their wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes. Varies widely in hardiness. Select native northern stock for use in North. Horned fruits can be a serious litter problem, dulling mower blades and injurying bare feet.

    When Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group) has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    2 Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group) found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    1ORIG_7877*APICK
    Heritage Plant
    Dedicated/Memorial Plant
    2ORIG_2708*AGRIS
    Heritage Plant
    Dedicated/Memorial Plant

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