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Sweetgum is a large deciduous hardwood tree that can grow to height over 100 ft (30.5 m). When grown in the open, sweetgum forms beautifully symmetric, cone shaped crown that becomes more rounded as the tree reaches maturity. This tree is readily identified by its star shaped, palmate leaves that are 4-7 in (10-17.8 cm) in diameter. Its blooms are inconspicuous, but it is sweetgum's infamous fruits that let you know there's a sweetgum around - especially when you step on one barefoot. About 1-1.5 in (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter, these are hard spiny golf ball size brown spheres that can be seen dangling from trees after the leaves drop. They often release their little seeds before they fall from the tree which aids in dispersal. On a good site, sweetgum can grow to be a true forest giant.
Location Culture
This large hardwood tree is used for veneer, furniture, interior trim and woodenware, in addition to pulpwood for fine papers. The dark purple to reddish brown heartwood has been marketed under trade names such as Italian mahogany and satin walnut. Sweetgum has been widely planted as an ornamental, especially outside of its natural range, due to its brilliant fall foliage (usually red). Its fast growth and wide tolerance make it a good choice as a street tree, shade tree, and as a windbreak tree. Sweetgum makes a beautiful specimen tree especially with a green lawn playing background to its beautiful fall color.
Features
Steve Christman 06/04/97; updated 11/26/99, 01/03/01, 05/01/01, 10/23/03
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WARNING: The spiny fruit pods are fairly objectionable, especially on lawns and sidewalks. The limbs drop fairly easily. This tree has a tendency to spread quickly on fertile moist sites and could become a pest if not controlled. 
