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.
