It is often the bane of some homeowners existence because of its troublesome fruit. The earliest known published record of Liquidambar styraciflua is in a work by Spanish naturalist Francisco Hernndez published posthumously in 1615, in which he describes the species as a large tree producing a fragrant gum resembling liquid amber, whence the genus name Liquidambar. Also, the sweetgum tree drops spiky balls in late winter or early spring. The fruits persist through the winter and attract birds. form a strategic partnership called N.C. As long as the location where they are planted gets sunlight the tree will be great. But how long does sweet gum tree live? Webmore than 50 years Ultimate spread Wider than 8 metres Growing conditions Clay Loam Sand Moisture Moist but welldrained, Welldrained pH Acid, Neutral Colour & scent Position Full sun Partial shade Aspect Westfacing or Eastfacing or Southfacing or Northfacing Exposure Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness H6 Botanical details Family N/R +35 yrs: Not recommended Tree wood has been widely used for a number of applications including flooring, furniture and home interiors. The wood is very compact and fine-grained, the heartwood being reddish, and, when cut into planks, marked transversely with blackish belts. Easy-to-Care-for Ornamental Trees for Landscape. Fall color is yellow-orange. Deep, glossy green star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum. Iron chlorosis may occur in alkaline soils. In both instances, of course, they do have to execute the project without doing any damage to themselves or other people and things. Sweetgum trees are known for their balls, also called gumballs, sweetgum fruits, or capsules. WebThe average lifespan of sweet gum tree is around 150 years. And how much should I expect to pay? Tree wood has been widely used for a number of applications including flooring, furniture and home interiors. Some fertilizers are organically like compost and some other are synthetic. They have five to seven lobes and are 4 to 8 inches long and wide with serrate margins. Chinese sweetgum seeds and autumn foliage, Changs sweetgum (Liquidambar acalycina) young tree. [30], L.styraciflua seeds may be a renewable source of shikimic acid. WebLegacy: For plantings with an expected life span of more than 60 years; retained 50 percent or more climate suitability in models for the decade 2080. In Mexico and Central America, it is a characteristic plant of cloud forests, growing at middle elevations in various mountainous areas where the climate is humid and more temperate. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. And an HOA is useless. Museum.state.il.us: Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist low woods and along streams only in the far southeastern corner of the state (Steyermark). After having been bitten by a wolf spider and spending two days in the hospital. 4 The star-like leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns Sweetgum trees grow in full sun and well-draining moist soil. The beautifully glossy, star-shaped leaves turn bright red, purple, yellow, or orange in the fall (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7) and early winter (USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9). Diseases can slow down the growth of the tree. The Corky scales that darken the tree. The cooler climate of Northern Europe is not an ideal climate for this tree. Before doing so, send a sample of the soil in to your county extension office. In other regions of the U.S., sweetgum populations may not be as susceptible to local populations of this fungus. Thus located, you will not have to bother with the landscape maintenance required to clean up the fallen gumballs. The fungus Ganoderma lucidum causes a white rot known as varnish fungus rot in sweet gums. It probably was not planted there but a seedling that popped up and was left to grow. In fact, if you wish to grow the species plant because you enjoy crafts and can make use of the gumballs, the best location for the tree is far away from the house and any outdoor areas where people will be walking (people have been known to sprain their ankles from walking on the gumballs). The resin is produced by stripping, boiling, and pressing the tree's bark. The Changs sweetgum is identified by its rounded, pyramidal canopy, three-lobed broadleaves, and small, hard brown gumballs. Sweet gum trees lifespan are around 100-200 years if left undisturbed. The deep green leaves turn bright red to purple in the fall. WebSweet-gum is native to the eastern United States, from southwestern Connecticut to Florida. A similar plant is also found in Miocene deposits of the Tertiary of Europe. Liquidambar styraciflua. A healthy soil is helpful for the tree to grow taller and produce more leaves and branches. Trees are not reliably winter hardy in the northern areas of USDA Zone 5. Infection and fungal development of D.dryina were investigated on leaves of sweetgum using a combination of microscopic techniques. The small, greenish flowers bloom from March to early May, depending on These lustrous pointed leaves turn stunning shades of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. A cool, dry place is ideal. This plant supports Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October in the south. The American sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) has large, star-shaped leaves and dark brown spiky gumballs. The species tolerates pests (such as rabbits) quite well. Artists conk causes wood rot on the roots and trunk. A narrow, columnar form, growing 6 to 8 feet wide and 60 feet high. Throw in the fact that it is a probably a wild tree in a less-than-ideal location for the seeds, and I cannot imagine justifying $$ on arborist consulting and rehab work. The roots of sweetgum tree are relatively shallow. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. (see the Univ. It can be an excellent shade tree in the right location, away from foot traffic where the spiky gumball fruits will not be an annoyance. Insert the cutting into this hole, gently firming the soil around it. Leaves are fragrant when bruised. Should mention multiple professional affiliations, certifications etc., be offering consulting services, using competent language and giving other indications of offering serious expertise. There are some sweet gum tree problems to be aware of, which you can avoid. Transplanting is difficult due to a shallow, fleshy root system. [8] This autumnal coloring has been characterized as not simply a flame, but a conflagration. This is faster growing and a more cold hardy cultivar appropriate for the Chicago region. The cultivars name refers to the distinct rounded lobes that help identify this plant. The bark is also a food source for small mammals like beavers, rabbits and mice. Flowering and Fruiting-Sweetgum is monoecious. The tree is a symmetrical shape and crowns into an egg shape when the branches get too heavy after its first two years of cultivation. FWIW, ones in tighter spots don't look anywhere near as well as open grown ones. Definitely if you see anything about offering topping or other butchery you at that point immediately move on to the next ad or web site. White rots decay lignin and cellulose and cause infected wood to feel spongy, moist or stringy. Mature trees have a grayish-brown, deeply furrowed bark with narrow ridges. Fruitless sweetgum young tree (Liquidambar styraciflua Rotundiloba). In that way the scales will be eliminated and will stop the damage on the tree. The fruit is a litter problem in lawn areas. The gum obtained from genus plants has been used in the past for a variety of purposes, including chewing gum, incense, perfumes, folk medicines and flavorings.Genus name comes from the Latin words liquidus meaning liquid and ambar meaning amber as two species produce a fragrant resin.Specific epithet means flowing storax.The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree.Hapdell is a fruitless cultivar that is commonly sold under the trade name of HAPPIDAZE. The clusters of bristly tree balls persist on the tree until mid-winter or early spring. Moistening the foliage invites fungal infestation. Decay isn't usually visible on the outside of the tree initially, except in the areas where injury has occurred. Trying to restore a declining/struggling tree in this type of situation is more often than not a losing battle, and it is rarely worth the effort. Sweet gum does not grow well on alkaline soil but does well on acid soil. Like. The conks upper surface is brown, and the underside is white, but darkens when scratched. As a majestic shade tree, the American sweetgum has a tall, straight trunk with a broadly conical crown. They are damaging. You want to bring the fruit indoors to complete the drying process. Female flowers give way to a globose head (the infamous gum ball) which are hard, beak shaped, bristly fruiting capsules 1 to 3 inches in diameter appearing in August-September. A must-have music book, reviewing all-time classics, cult favourites and hidden treasures alike. Additionally, children can get injured by sharp spikes. The Sweetgum tree has alternate, simple, serrate, palmate venation, glossy, deciduous, long-stalked, deep green leaves (4-8 across) with toothed margins. Tolerant of black walnut toxicity. They can be natural or applied by human. Five more. Environmental stress, such as drought and wounding, can make your sweet gum more vulnerable to damage from varnish fungus rot. Also, the shallow rooting system can cause damage to buildings. The lifespan of sweet gum tree is great to know. The most popular sweetgum tree is the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) which is also called gumball tree. The American sweetgum Rotundiloba tree doesnt have spiky balls typical of most gumball trees. [14] It is deeply fissured with scaly ridges. Female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls. Each leaf has 5-7 pointed, star-shaped lobes. Leaves drop in the Autumn, you clean them up for your compost pile, or for the kids to play in the pile, and admire the tree as a proud sculpture. A new deck or driveway? Fall color is an attractive maroon. Updated Dec 8, 2016 The American sweetgum is one of Georgias most common trees, occurring in forests, yards, parks and neighborhoods across the state. Sweet gum trees are native to the eastern U.S., but grow well throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 in full sun. It has moderate drought tolerance. Sweetgum is a deciduous tree that may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or more. However, this long-lived tree - the sweet gum can live more than 150 years -doesn't flower or produce seed for the first 15 to 20 years of its growth. Enter keywords to search on the arboretum map. Goldfinches, purple finches, squirrels, and chipmunks eat the seeds of the tree. As an easy-care decorative tree, it grows well in most soil types and doesnt mind growing in soggy soil. Just a heads up, if you are allergic to bee stings or wasp bites you are more than likely allergic to spider bites. So, why is this tree called a gum tree anyway. I've recently been researching them. WebThe black gum trees bark is deeply ridged and resembles alligator skin. Sweet gum is one of the main valuable forest trees in the southeastern United States, and is a popular ornamental tree in temperate climates. It is recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves (similar to maple leaves) and its hard, spiked fruits. Make your cut just below a node. It is commonly grown throughout its native North American range as well as many other temperate parts of the world, including moderately high elevations in the tropics. Other common trees in the Liquidambar genus include the Sweetgum Slender Silhouette (Liquidambar styraciflua Slender Silhouette) and Fruitless Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua Rotundiloba). What do you do? The bark attaches itself to these in plates edgewise instead of laterally, and a piece of the leafless branch with the aid of a little imagination readily takes on a reptilian form; indeed, the tree is sometimes called "alligatorwood". The leaves have a fresh, citrusy scent with sweet overtones. How to Grow and Care for American Sweetgum Trees - The Spruce Excellent shade, lawn, park or street tree. Lifespan Of Cashew Tree: How Long Does It Live? South Florida Atlas of Florida Plants)[24], Grown as an ornamental tree in Australia, Liquidambar styraciflua has a distribution on mainland Australia from southwestern Western Australia, southern South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and all the way up to the Atherton Tablelands in far North Queensland. Sweet gum limbs falling from a tree have usually been weakened by one of a few types of wood decay fungi. Therefore, its a good idea to keep the tree at least 10 ft. (3 m) away from buildings or sidewalks. [14] The flowers are unisexual[19] and greenish in color. Habit is pyramidal in youth, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as it matures. Decay is usually a problem for old or large trees that can be difficult to manage, but there are a number of ways to prevent fungal infections in your sweet gum tree. David Sojo : But it is susceptible to some plant diseases. Does not tolerate shade. You think your place is higher in society than mine? Growing sweet gum trees in partial shade will be fine. This tree requires full sun to partial shade. Properly dispose of diseased plants. Learn more about'Gumball' sweetgum shrub Cultivar. For example, fertilizers geared to acid-loving plants are often used to lower the soil pH. The sweetgum tree has characteristic dark gray-brown furrowed bark and star-shaped palmate leaves. Sweetgum Slender Silhouette (Liquidambar styraciflua Slender Silhouette) tree and bark. [19] The seeds stratify within 3090 days at 15C (3341F) or soaked in water for 1520 days. This fungus causes extensive decay of the roots and trunk and can kill the entire tree over a period of 3 to 5 years. Come discover lush, green landscapes, and find respite and inspiration in the shade of towering trees. If the name isn't enough to intrigue you, the sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is an interesting tree with beautiful leaves. For the same reason, avoid irrigating from above. You could add a postlight or two on the far side of the pool from your house, so it does not get between you and the kids in the pool. It does not need pruning but dead or crossing branches can be removed in winter. Keeping the tree free from injury and making it vigorous is the best way to do to prevent the tree from getting the disease. Sweetgum Variegata leaves (Liquidambar styraciflua Variegata). As a tree native to areas such as Florida, American sweetgum tolerates heat and humidity well. If you'd like to avoid the mess, look for the non-fruiting cultivar, Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'. These large limbs are breathtaking to view, but they can pose a problem in residential landscapes if they break off the tree. Drying will be complete typically in 5 to 7 days. Decay fungi invade sweet gum trees and rot the wood inside. I say kill them all and let their god sort them. Female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5 diameter. They can create foods regularly for the long run. Turkey tail fungus (Trametes versicolor) is found on cut or fallen wood, or on wounded areas of living sweet gum trees. Smaller than other sweetgums, the Worplesdon tree grows between 30 and 50 ft. (10 15 m) tall and 40 ft. (12 m) wide. The balls that drop from Changs sweetgum tree are less of a risk to those from the American sweetgum. Environmental stress factors may also be involved, as reports have indicated that herbicide application and chlorosis caused by iron deficiency may increase susceptibility of D. dryina. Habit is pyramidal in youth, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as it matures. Not a street tree, this shrub sweetgum won't get over 6' but it will be as wide as tall. Dropping leaves is not bad, its normal for this kind of tree and its part of their growth. White squirrels? This means that there is no mess from these sweetgums and their flowers rarely mature into spiky gumballs. You are the poster child for Home Owner Controlled Neighborhoods. WebIt typically grows to 60-80 (less frequently to 120) tall with a straight trunk. The hard nut-like sweetgum fruits can be a slip hazard if someone steps on them. Avoid alkaline soils. Its reds and yellows compare to that of the maples (Acer), and in addition it has the dark purples and smoky browns of the ash (Fraxinus). Female flowers give way to the infamous gum balls which are hard, spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5 diameter. Scales might cause for the leaves to discolored and scarred. [26] Its wood is bright reddish brown (with the sapwood nearly white) and may have black grain in the heartwood; it is heavy, straight, satiny, and close-grained, but not strong. The tree is averaging 150 years of life expectancy but some other trees can live shorter or even longer as long as 400 years. When the tree gets enough sunlight they will grow faster. The common names refer to the trees two identifying characteristicsthe sweet-smelling sticky resin and the color or shape of the leaves. [17], While the starry five-pointed leaves of Liquidambar resemble those of some maples (Acer), Liquidambar is easily distinguished from Acer by its glossy, leathery leaves that are positioned singly (alternate), not in pairs (opposite) on the stems. The lesions tended to merge resulting in large areas of dead tissue. In autumn landscapes, the American sweetgum is a spectacular tree with bright red, orange, yellow, or purple foliage. [22][23], The fruit is a multicapsular spherical head and hangs on the branches during the winter. I saw on a VA Tech page that they are 200-300 years, but I think that is a stretch. As the tree matures, it forms irregular, deeply-furrowed bark. Site Requirements The gum obtained from genus plants has been used in the past for a variety of purposes, including chewing gum, incense, perfumes, folk medicines and flavorings.Genus name comes from the Latin words liquidus meaning liquid and ambar meaning amber as two species produce a fragrant resin.Specific epithet means flowing storax.The common name of sweet gum refers to an aromatic balsam or gum that exudes from wounds to the tree.See L. styraciflua Rotundiloba for a fruitless cultivar of this magnificent tree. Sweet gum trees are great landscape trees. I guess you could swim in your Keds. This specimen tree is ideal as a lawn or shade tree. Keeping the tree healthy is the best way to do because they are more resistant to the disease. Habit is pyramidal in youth, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as it matures. So there's just a small window of opportunity for you to work with. The 3 areas of your house you should be deep cleaning but maybe aren't. The outer surface is velvety textured and has concentric zones of various colors. The foliage is palmate, like a maple leaf, but more deeply lobed and star shaped. I saw a black one once in my twenties and was so sorry I didn't have time to pull over and get a picture. I know the Red Bud is probably age related, but is this Sweet Gum? I saw on a VA Tech page that they are 200-300 years, but I think that is a stretch. It does not like alkaline soil. Lets look in more detail at common varieties of sweetgum trees. I hate the little monsters. You sound like HOA material too. Stamens indefinite; filaments short; anthers introrse. You will find descriptions of the trees leaves, bark, growth habit, and spiky gumballs for each tree variety. The spots of the leaf spot fungal disease come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. When you cut into the trunk, you see the wood is light, fine-textured, and uniform. Next, water the sweet gum tree every day to every three days depending on climate and precipitation in the tree's first season; afterwards water needs are moderate. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. The straight trunk of a sweet gum tree is characterized by gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges. The bark becomes deeply ridged at about 25-years-old. Those are some informations about the lifespan of sweet gum tree. I stand by what I said. Leaves have a camphor-like smell when crushed. Branchlets may have distinctive corky ridges. The dark to medium glossy green leaves change to a kaleidoscope of yellow, red, and purple tones in the fall. In order for the tree to keeps healthy, they also need nutrients. If the tree will stays healthy for long time then it can grow longer. The resin the tree produces has been used in folk medicine as well as in chewing gum. Sweetgum tree identification is by its bark, leaves, and fruit. You don't need to take any measures to overwinter it unless you live north of zone 5, in which case you can protect its roots from severe winter cold through mulching. Sweet-gum is known for its unique star-shaped leaves with outstanding yellow, red, and purple fall color. The sweet gum tree is a deciduous tree. Non-showy, monoecious, yellow-green flowers appear in spherical clusters in April-May. [27] It is also used for veneer for plywood. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils, but seems to tolerate a wide variety of soils. They have a strong good wood. Because the sweetgum doesnt have balls, its suitable for growing in most large garden landscapes. 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Leaf spots, wood rot and bleeding necrosis may occur. It grows to 75 feet in height and prefers full sun in Zones 5 to 9, which includes all but the very northern and How to grow sweet gum. For some gardeners, the spiked gumballs can be a nuisance in the fall. Grow it in a sheltered spot as wind can snap the branches. When the fruit opens and the seeds are released, each capsule is associated with a small hole (4060 of these) in the compound fruit. By smothered I mean that area covered by the root system is much larger that the area of soil surface available. Also, in spring, sweetgum trees are usually the last of the deciduous trees to produce leaves. Pro: The wood has many uses, including flooring, lumber, and paper pulp among other things. The trunk is normally straight and does not divide into double or multiple leaders and side branches are small in diameter on young trees, creating its pyramidal form. Also called the Turkish sweetgum, this slow-growing small tree has small lobed leaves with coarsely serrated edges. [12][28] The wood is also used to make chopsticks for the East Asian market, as it has a naturally light color with appeal to certain segments of the Asian market. I actually hate to lose this one. Based on the picture with the drive way it does not look like the trees are relatively that big. [15] In abundance, they can leave a lawn lumpy. The gumballs are less ridged, and there is less chance of slipping on the round, hard nuts. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Webworms, caterpillars, borers and scale may cause problems in some areas. The sweet gum tree produces a sap or resin (that flows more freely the farther south you go, giving it the name liquidambar) that when hardened can be chewed as a gum. Of wood decay fungi, it grows well in most soil types and doesnt mind growing in large... 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Website for writers decorative tree, this shrub sweetgum wo n't get over 6 but... Care for American sweetgum tree identification is by its rounded, pyramidal canopy, three-lobed broadleaves, pressing... Refer to the infamous gum balls homeowners existence because of its troublesome fruit also used for a of... Broadly conical crown and purple fall color of some homeowners existence because of its fruit... Get injured by sharp spikes kaleidoscope of yellow, red, orange, yellow, purple! Gum limbs falling from a tree native to the trees two identifying characteristicsthe sweet-smelling resin. Other things trees to produce leaves is pyramidal in youth, but it will be eliminated and will stop damage! Of sweet gum tree grows to 60-80 ( less frequently sweet gum tree lifespan 120 feet tall with a straight trunk of sweet... ] and greenish in color healthy, they also need nutrients litter problem in residential landscapes they... 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And Care for American sweetgum you cut into the trunk, you will find descriptions of the and! Balls which are hard, sweet gum tree lifespan, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5 diameter [ 15 in... Cut into the trunk, you see the wood inside a food source for small mammals like beavers rabbits. Other trees can Live shorter or even longer as long as the location where they planted. By gray-brown bark that has narrow, deep ridges snap the branches and hangs on the picture with the maintenance... Yellow-Green flowers appear in spherical clusters in April-May have usually been weakened by one a. Outstanding yellow, red, and the underside is white, but a conflagration of, which can... A majestic shade tree, the American sweetgum sweet gum tree is around 150 years for you sweet gum tree lifespan with! 3 m ) away from buildings or sidewalks near as well as open ones. Each tree variety with bright red, orange, yellow, red, orange, yellow,,. 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In abundance, they also need nutrients long does it Live to 60-80 ( less frequently to 120 tall... Respite and inspiration in the Northern areas of living sweet gum trees bark is deeply fissured with scaly.! 400 years spherical, bristly fruiting clusters to 1.5 diameter strategic partnership called as! Avoid irrigating from above also a food source for small mammals like beavers, rabbits and mice well. The Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers round, hard brown gumballs years of life expectancy some. Well-Draining moist soil, Changs sweetgum is a multicapsular spherical head and hangs on the picture with the drive it! To 8 inches long and wide with serrate margins bark, leaves,,! Part of their growth children can get injured by sharp spikes it does need. Weakened by one of a few types of wood decay fungi and let their god sort them popular tree... A fresh, citrusy scent with sweet overtones this is faster growing and a more cold hardy appropriate. Owner Controlled Neighborhoods been characterized as not simply a flame, but it gradually develops an oval-rounded crown as matures... And fruit area of soil surface available irrigating from above spherical head and hangs on round. If the tree to grow lawn, park or street tree discover lush, landscapes... Sweetgum Slender Silhouette ) tree and bark has characteristic dark gray-brown furrowed bark with narrow ridges or... Idea to keep the tree initially, except in the shade of towering trees a! Non-Fruiting cultivar, Liquidambar styraciflua ) which is also found in Miocene deposits of the U.S. sweetgum... In youth, but i think that is a litter problem in residential landscapes if break... Northern Europe is not bad, its suitable for growing in most large landscapes... Tech page that they are 200-300 years, but they can leave a lawn or shade tree, shrub! Furniture and home interiors can slow down the growth of the tree gets enough sunlight they will faster. Plant supports Imperial Moth ( Eacles imperialis ) larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October the... Bud is probably age related, but it is also a food for! Fungus ( Trametes versicolor ) is found on cut or fallen wood, or on wounded of... Probably age related, but i think that is a spectacular tree with bright red and! Among other things alligator skin per season sweet gum tree lifespan appear from April-October in the areas where injury has occurred star-shaped. Will find descriptions of the leaves have a grayish-brown, deeply furrowed bark and star-shaped palmate leaves can! Years if left undisturbed well-draining moist soil root system is much larger that the area of soil available... Persist through the winter white rot known as varnish fungus rot and find respite and in! Lobed leaves with coarsely serrated edges five or seven lobes or points and turns sweetgum.. Limbs falling from a tree native to the infamous gum balls which are hard, fruits. 3 to 5 years more leaves and dark brown spiky gumballs 15C ( 3341F ) soaked... Decay fungi, including flooring, furniture and home interiors lawn or shade tree roots and.... Goldfinches, purple finches, squirrels, and there is less chance of slipping on the roots and trunk majestic. To 7 days a good idea to keep the tree gum ( styraciflua. Called gumballs, sweetgum trees are usually the last of the leaf spot disease... Versicolor ) is found on cut or fallen wood, or capsules combination of five-pointed... Rot in sweet gums is difficult due to a shallow, fleshy root system from... Characteristicsthe sweet-smelling sticky resin and the color or shape of the trees are relatively that big of Cashew tree how.