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Sweetgum

Sweetgum is a large deciduous tree native to the United States and prefers to grow along wetland areas such as creeks and river banks. These trees can reach a height of 60 to 80 feet. Trees get their name from the amber-colored sweet sap that appears similar to chewing gum. The tree is identifiable by its star-shaped leaves that turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red and deep purple in the fall. Sweet gum wood ranks second among all trees for commercial wood use in the U.S.