Sweet Gum Tree, Before the Storm

The Sweetgum tree (also called Redgum or Sapgum) gets its name from the gummy resinous substance beneath the bark which, during pioneer days, was stripped from the trunk and used medicinally, or as a chewing gum.

Before the major wind and rain came through the Northeast last week, this Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) was in full color. Now all that remains are the prickly green fruit balls.