Dominic identifies the sweetgum tree by its spiky gumballs and star-shaped leaves that turn red and yellow in fall. The tree feeds wildlife and songbirds, and provides habitat for the hickory horned devil and imperial moth. Watch out for the gumballs underfoot.
Hi, Dominic here, and I'm standing in front of a sweetgum tree. You'll remember a sweetgum tree if you've ever stepped on one of these gumballs while walking around barefoot. They may be spiky, but they're an important food source for our area's critters and for our songbirds. Another distinctive thing about the sweetgum tree is its beautiful star-shaped leaf. It has these nice deep Vs, these furrows, which turn nice red and yellow in the fall. Sweetgum trees play an important role in Charlotte's ecosystem. as the habitat and home for the hickory horned devil and imperial moth. So next time you see a sweetgum tree, kick back, relax with a book, and enjoy the shade. But watch out for gumballs.
