There is an age-old problem that almost all gardeners eventually have to face: too many plants for too little space. For me, this realization happened five years ago, when I had reached the limit of how many trees I could plant in my relatively small yard. Still, I visited gardens across the country and saw new trees I liked, only to tell myself, over and over again, that I simply did not have the space for another one. That was until I met ‘Slender Silhouette’ sweet gum and fell head over heels in love because it could fit almost anywhere. This is a compact, columnar tree with an impressive mature height and a width of only 3 to 6 feet, so it takes up little precious space. Its great architectural form makes it a focal point like no other.
Unlike other sweet gums, which drop scores of macelike fruit all over the place, ‘Slender Silhouette’ only produces minimal fruit, which drop in a small area due to the tree’s narrow structure. This sweet gum’s foliage is deep green in summer and then turns yellow, orange, red, or burgundy in fall. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay.
ProblemsThese trees are rarely attacked by pests, but bleeding necrosis, a fungal disease, can occasionally be a problem. When infected, the tree will look like a can of oil has been poured on its bark at the soil line. Although there is no known treatment, experts believe that raising the soil grade around the tree fosters this disease. (Mary Anne Thornton, Fine Gardening #148)
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Zones : 10, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Low
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Type : Trees
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
