Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
native
Other Names:
Redgum, Hazel Pine, American Storax, Satin Walnut, Star-leaved Gum, Alligatorwood
Sweetgum is a native tree that survives better in warm climates. The Washington Metro Area is near the northern part of its range. Many birds forage in Sweetgum. The seeds are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, and other small mammals, but other than a few caterpillars and beetles, few insects feed on it. Sweetgum is an important source of commercial hardwood, which is reddish-brown and used for furniture, crates, interior trim, and other purposes. If the sap is left to harden, it can be used as chewing gum. The gum can also be used for incense and perfumes. The September 11 Memorial in New York donated a grove of Sweetgums to the memorial in Pennsylvania where one of the airplanes crashed. In populated areas, the spiked seed capsules (Sweetgum balls) can cause people to slip or turn an ankle.
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