The document describes the characteristics of a sweet gum tree, including that it has a star shape with rigid edges, green leaves arranged alternately on 3-6 inch leafstalks or stems, gray bark that is rough when mature but smooth when young, and sweet gum wood is used for furniture. The tree's fragrance is used in perfumes and medicines and it attracts wildlife like bluejays and squirrels. Pioneers once chewed the inner bark as gum.