One of our most common and familiar trees. This early successional tree often associates with Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera). The star-shaped leaves have a pleasant, sweet fragrance when crushed.

Durham Co., NC 9/10/02.

Sweetgum leaves turn a spectacular range of colors in the fall, from bright yellow to purplish-black.

Chapel Hill, NC 11/13/05.

Male inflorescence (above) with expanding female inflorescence and old fruit ball from last year hanging below .

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Ripening fruits.

Sweetgum is rare in the Mountain province of North Carolina, growing at lower elevations along rivers.

French Broad River, Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

The spiky ball fruits are unique.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.

Twigs often (but not always) have corky wings.

Durham Co., NC 9/10/02.

Bark of young trees is mostly smooth but often has warty projections.

Durham Co., NC 9/10/02.

Bark of a medium-sized tree.

Orange Co., NC 9/20/02.

Bark of a medium-sized tree.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Bark of a large tree. The bark becomes more ridged with maturity.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.

Large tree.

Molecular studies have shown that Liquidambar isn't closely related to Hamamelis and is better placed in the Altingiaceae instead of the Hamamelidaceae.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.