American Sweetgum
Liguidambar styraciflua L.

Description  Tree: averages 40-60 feet tall, but some have been known to be 120 feet! Leaves: up to 7 inches across; 5 or 7 pointed lobes, with fine toothed edges. Bark: gray, deeply furrowed into narrow, scaly ridges (reason it is nicknamed the Alligator Tree). Seeds: long-stalked pendulant seed ball composed of many individual fruits, each ending with 2 long, curved, prickly points; mature in autumn and persist into winter (3). Location Center of triangle formed from the library, Smith and the covered walk way

Native Habitat

The American Sweetgum tree is found mostly in southern states, but is found anywhere from southern Connecticut to Florida, all along the cost. It spreads as far west as eastern Texas (2).

Optimal Growing Conditions

They like fairly damp soil and are often found along a stream.  The roots tend to grow near the surface and many are visible.(4)

Economic Importance

The main use for this tree is for the wood.  It is second in production only to oaks, among the hardwoods.  The wood is used for interiors, woodenware, boats, toys, boxes and fuel.  Commercial storax, a fragrant resin used in perfumes and medicines is made from the American Sweetgum. It is also used for chewing gum.  It is said to have a sweet flavor that lasts for a long time.  Native Americans and early pioneers used it for this same purpose (5).  The Sweetgum received its name from the sweet, sticky compound it produces called storax.  The storax is used to make perfumes, adhesives and salves (2).                                                                                                  

Ethnobotany Information

Many of its medicinal uses were found dated back to 1651.  It is used to strengthen heart, and the belly; induce sleep; alleviate pain in the head from the common colds; and helps cure eruptions of the skin (1).

Other Interesting Sites

http://www.assateague.com/gum.html

http://www.nysite.com/nature/flora/sweetgum.htm

Sweetgum

References:

1.  www.botany.com/liquidambar.html

2.  http://www.forestworld.com/forestry/outreach/silvics/hardwoods/liquidamabar/styraciflua_b1.html

3.  www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/ornament/sweet118.htm

4. http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/liquidambar/styraciflua.htm

5.  http://project.bio.iastate.edu/trees/campustrees/Liquidamber/Liquidam_text.html

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