Sweetgum

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a type of hardwood tree native to the Eastern and Southeastern United States. In the forest, the tree can reach 100 feet tall with spreading branches and a conical or rounded crown. The name derives from the aromatic resin found behind the bark.

The tree is characterized by its 5-pointed leaves, resembling Sugar maple, flashing bright orange with yellow and red shadings and some purples and browns in Fall. In early Winter the tree produces distinctive seed clusters, called "sweetgum balls" or "cuckoo burrs", which hang down from branches and carry seeds protected by stiff points. The balls remain on the tree after the seeds are released. The tree's bark is deeply furrowed, with rounded ridges. Twigs often have corky "wings" growing along them.

Sweetgum is a commercially important hardwood, used in furniture and veneers as well as for railroad ties and pulp. The resin was formerly used for medicinal compounds. Native to Eastern North America from Southern New England to East Texas, the tree has been cultivated in Europe since the late 17th century and is also popular in the American West. The fast-growing tree's benefits in providing shade in Summer and color in Fall are offset by a tendency to lose limbs in strong winds and the heavy crop of resinous gumballs during Winter.

The tree is common in moist valley soils and on lower slopes in wooded areas. It regrows rapidly after logging.

See also

• Cahaba Brewing Company, whose flagship beer is named "Liquidambar" for the sweet gum

References

• Kirkman, L. Katherine, Claude L. Brown & Donald J. Leopold (2007) Native Trees of the Southeast. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press ISBN 9780881928280
• Liquidambar styraciflua (April 15, 2010) Wikipedia - accessed May 9, 2010