One of the most popular ornamental tree species in north-west Europe, famed for its spectacular autumn colours. Also known as American Sweet-gum. Introduced 1681.

Native to eastern USA and Central America.

Monoecious. Wind-pollinated. Dispersed by wind and birds.

Tall (30-40m), conic with a domed top and upcurved contorted branches. Bark grey-brown, cracking into vertical fissures. Twigs glabrous, developing corky wings; buds pointed. Foliage dense, aromatic when crushed, alternate, turning deeply saturated yellow-orange to crimson-purple in autumn. Leaves 8-20cm, palmate and star-like with 3-7 (usually five) narrow lobes, glabrous except small vein-joint tufts, minutely serrated, aromatic. Fruit (rare where introduced) a globose woody capsule (3cm), burr-like with braided rims, held through winter. Compare with Oriental Sweet-gum.

Cold-hardy, but sensitive to spring frosts, and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Best foliage colours are when grown in acid soils. Branches brittle and easily damaged by wind.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally healthy. Could thrive under a warming climate.

Ornamental, especially for lengthy display of autumn colour. Many cultivars are available, notably for foliage: ‘Lane Roberts’ and ‘Worplesdon’. Its timber is attractive, sometimes known as ‘satin walnut’, but unstable, and so is often used in the manufacture of plywood.