Habitat: Sweetgum grows in moist soils of valleys and lower sloped areas. This tree may also be found in mixed woodlands. Sweetgum is a pioneer species, often found after an area has been logged or clearcut and one of the most common tree species in the Eastern United States.
Description: The star-like leaf has 5 or 7 lobes or points and turns from green in summer to yellow or purple in Autumn. This leaf is borne on corky-winged limbs and the bark is gray-brown, deeply furrowed with narrow ridges. The fruit is a conspicuous spiked ball that hangs in clusters.
Uses: flooring, furniture, veneers, home interiors, and other lumber applications. The wood is also used as paper pulp and to make baskets.
Sweetgum Photos - ForestryImages.Org
Identify a Sweetgum - Virginia Tech Dendrology
