The American sweet gum grows 60 to 70 feet' when mature. It is good to plant in large areas such as lawns and parks. The flowers are not ornamentally significant. The brown fruits, which are spiny, rounded structures that release seeds, ripen in fall, and remain on the tree until spring. Fall color is variable but brilliant; in autumn, American sweet gum can have beautiful yellow, purple, and red leaves all at the same time. This native tree is highly valued as a shade tree and for its superior fall color and beautiful leaves that are glossy green and star shaped. Its name comes from the tree's fragrant, gummy resin that has been used as chewing gum, incense, and a balm.