Tree growing on the lawn south of the west wing of Lagomarcino Hall.
The sweetgum
is native to the eastern and southern US, extending to Mexico. It is not
dependably hardy in most of Iowa, and will suffer twig dieback in severe
winters. This is a bottomland species, preferring rich, moist alluvial
soils, but is found growing on a variety of sites. The leaves are simple,
alternate, finely toothed and star-shaped. Fruits (aggregates of capsules)
are produced in globular, woody, prickly balls dangling on long stems. The
name "sweetgum" originates from the sweet, gummy sap that is used
as the base of salves, soaps, adhesives and tobacco flavoring. In the pharmaceutical
trade the gum is called "copalm balm" or "liquidambar."
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