Liquidambar styraciflua

Also known as Sweetgum, Redgum, Star-leaved Gum, Alligatorwood

American sweetgums command attention each autumn when their distinct, five-pointed star leaves transform into brilliance ranging from bright yellow to deep maroon. Bark on mature trunks develops deeply furrowed, corky ridges while the branches produce distinctive hard, spiky fruit spheres that persist through winter. In moist bottomlands and rich soils, these trees quickly grow tall to canopy status, providing essential shelter and seeds for native birds and mammals.