Sweetgum

AKA Redgum, Sapgum. Liquidambar styraciflua. A common deciduous tree famous for their vibrant, star-shaped autumn foliage in reds, yellows, and purples, and distinctive spiky, ball-like fruits. Native to North America, Asia, and the Mediterranean, these ornamental trees are also valuable hardwoods, yielding fragrant resin (liquid amber) used in perfumes, incense, and traditional remedies. Shallow aggressive roots can be problematic and damage pavement, so plant trees at least 10–20 feet from driveways, sidewalks, foundations, swimming pools, etc. Trees are large and fast-growing; allow plenty of space, and do not plant under or near power lines. The seed requires 1 - 3 months stratification and sometimes takes 2 years to germinate, and germination rates are low. The seedlings don’t transplant well, so it is best to move them into the soil when they are less than 25 cm (10”) tall.