The Sweetgum Tree

(sweetgum bonzi is taken from wikimedia under creative commons license) This picture is a dwarf of the sweet gum tree found in Central Alabama. This sweet gum could be the oldest one when planted in 1975)

The Sweet gum Tree is found throughout the Southeast and one of the first things you notice in the State of Alabama. It is A deciduous tree but produces a conifer like spiky ball which is actually a fruit. When photosynthesis starts occurring during Indian Summer, This is the first tree that starts to lose it's chlorophyll and CO2 increases leaving this pretty tree with lots of colors from light yellows, purples and deep reds.

This lovely tree is second in production of hardwood floors and furniture. It's got strong dexterity able to handle many years of use. Pioneers of early Alabama used to scrape the sap from the bark and chew it for chewing gum. That's why they call it sweet gum because it's actually a sweet gum tree. Another interesting fact is that the Cherokee, choctow and other native tribes would boil the leaves and use it as a salve for cuts, bruises and etc. You can find more information on that one here.
That link will take you to some interesting facts about this neat little tree that seems to multiply itself as quickly as the mimosa.