Sweetgum is one of the most distinctive trees of the eastern United States, with star-shaped leaves that turn brilliant yellow, orange, and crimson in fall, and prickly spherical seed balls that litter the ground in winter. The seed balls are eaten by goldfinches, pine siskins, and many small birds. The aromatic resin was historically used in chewing gum.
Best time to see a Sweetgum
The best time to see a Sweetgum is March–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 79,318 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sweetgum? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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