Sweetgum is a charming ornamental tree adorned with star-shaped leaves and spiky, round seed balls in fall. Growing at a moderate rate, it reaches 60-70 feet tall in nearly any soil, including dry, urban sites. As a member of the witch hazel family, it prefers moist, rich soils and may reach up to 120 feet in such conditions. Its attractive pyramidal shape becomes rounded with age, and in fall the leaves cycle through shades of yellow and orange before turning red, crimson, burgundy, and purple, usually remaining on the tree until early winter. The gum balls hang like ornaments through the winter, and peculiar, corky growths decorate the branches. The common name refers to the aromatic sap that, while not sweet, is tastier than the bitter resin from black gum trees. The sap was once used as informal chewing gum that had a side effect of easing sore throats and coughs. Red gum, another common name for the tree, comes from the reddish-brown heartwood, which is used in making fine furniture. An unusual attribute of the tree is its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Frequently found in disturbed areas, on wet river bottoms, in swamps that frequently flood, and on drier uplands, sweet gum makes a beautiful shade tree in large landscapes. When choosing a site, keep it 10 feet away from pavements because it has shallow, widespread roots that can lift concrete. In addition, the seed balls are a hazard on sidewalks and patios.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 60-75’ tall and 40-50’ wide. Can grow 80-120’ tall on moist, rich soils.
Prefers full sun and tolerates part shade.
Grows in well-drained acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, wet, and clay soils. Tolerates heavy clay soils and has moderate drought tolerance.
Small yellow-green flowers tinged with red appear on stalks in spring, followed by 1½" spiny, resinous, woody fruit balls made up of clusters of two-seeded capsules.
Lustrous green leaves with 5 lobes (occasionally 7) and slightly toothed margins are 4–7½" in length. Leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple in fall.
Trunk is typically straight, buttressed, and 3-4’ in diameter. Young bark is smooth, while mature bark is grayish brown with deep, irregular furrows. Stumps sprout prolifically.
Wildlife Value:
Sweet gum is a host plant for 30 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including Harris’ three-spot and Polyphemus moths, Promethea silkmoth, and two specialist moths. Seeds are eaten by eastern goldfinches, purple finches, sparrows, mourning doves, northern bobwhites, wild turkeys, chipmunks, and squirrels. Small mammals and deer eat young saplings and foliage. Many insects feed on the tree, including bark beetles and leaf hoppers. Several species of mushroom grow on the bark.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The Cherokee made a tea from the bark to treat the flu. Infertile seeds of the sweet gum ball contain shikimic acid, which is used to make Tamiflu®. Parts of the tree have been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sweetgum ointments were used on wounds and skin disorders. The inner bark was boiled in milk to cure diarrhea.
In parts of Appalachia, twigs were soaked in water or brandy and then used as toothbrushes. The gum was used during World Wars I and II to produce soaps, drugs, and adhesives. The pleasant-smelling sap is used to scent gloves in France.
Although not edible, the spiky balls can serve as mulch to keep animals away from young plants. The unique shape and texture of the balls make them ideal for craft projects.
The tree has a very straight form, which makes it a good choice for lumber, furniture, musical instrument components, and veneer.
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$17.50Price
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