LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA

Sweet Gum is a low-maintenance deciduous shade tree. Its glossy, long-stalked, deep green leaves have toothed margins. Leaves are fragrant when bruised. Fall color includes a brilliant mixture of yellows, oranges, purples and reds. Insignificant yellow-green flowers appear in clusters in spring. The female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters. These Gum balls mature to dark brown and usually remain on the tree through the winter.