Friday, June 5, 2009

Plant of the Month Pick-June







Sweetgum trees have beautiful, glossy leaves, brilliant fall color, and are easily recognized by thier star-shaped leaves and its woody, spiny, ball-like fruit. Sweetgums are one of my all time favorite trees, they give you great shade and can do well as a street tree. Easy to maintain and easy to enjoy.
In pioneer times the sweet, balsamic resin was used as a treatment for sores, chest colds, and even dysentery. It also was made into a type of chewing gum. In the past, Sweetgums had commercial value in the making of soaps, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Today its wood remains valuable for lumber and veneer.

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