American sweet gum
Quick Summary
The American sweet gum, scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is a member of the Altingiaceae family and is recognized for its alternate, sharply lobed palmate leaves that display vibrant scarlet colors in the fall. This tree produces unique spiny, dark brown fruits called aggregate capsules, which often remain on the tree through winter. The American sweet gum can grow quite large, sometimes reaching up to 150 feet in height in moist areas. Its heartwood, known as red gum or satin walnut, is valued for furniture making, and the tree can also be tapped for a type of resin.12
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