Sweetgum

The sweetgum is a common tree in Maryland’s Coastal Plain forests, and thrives in wetlands and other low lying areas. It is also widely planted along streets, in yards, and in parks as a shade-providing specimen tree, such as this one. It’s a lovely tree, although the fruit, dangling, spiny tipped “gum balls,” can be a nuisance in areas with a lot of foot traffic.

The sweetgum is a large deciduous hardwood tree, which can grow to over 100 feet in height and 3 to 5 feet in diameter. Larger sweetgums can be found at Marshy Point Nature Center, and at North Point State Park where the MD Big Tree Program’s Baltimore County Champion can be seen: Airtable – Tree Listings on Website

For more information about sweetgums, look the tree up online or visit: SWEETGUM (usda.gov)