Liquidambar styraciflua

Hamamelidaceae, Witchhazel Family

DUARB-28

• Location: East side of Gilpatrick

• Height: 21.8m

• Circumference: 1.9m

• Recognition Features: Palmately veined and lobed star-shaped leaves, similar to Maple leaves but arranged alternately.  Fruit is spiked like burrs.   Naturally appears in Southern Ohio.

• Historical Notes: The name sweet gum is derived from the resin it produces, which has been used as a treatment for sores and skin troubles, chewing gum, adhesives, perfumes, fuel, and most notably, as a flavoring for tobacco.  Now, it is primarily used as lumber, to be made into cabinets, boxes, and crates (Peattie 1964).