Sweetgum, American

The tree that stands before you is the American Sweetgum, also known as the Liquidambar styraciflua. These trees are one of only three in their genus. In the past, their resin has been used to make adhesives, soaps, and even tobacco flavoring! The leaves on this tree are glossy and oval-shaped with five to seven points. The young bark resembles that of a cottonwood but mature bark is deeply fissured. If you crush the leaves of this tree, you'll be met with a strong aroma. American Sweetgums can grow to over 120 feet tall and have a lifespan of a remarkable 400 years.

This tree is dedicated in memory of Rodney "Rod" Smalley.