Native Trees of Kentucky 



(7. Sweet Uiini Liqitidainbor styraciflita. 

 The Sweet Gum is reported 

 by United States Government 

 foresters as the most important 

 tree in Western Kentucky. 

 Although it prefers low wet 

 woodlands, it is found abun- 

 dantly in the northern and cen- 

 tral parts of the State and even 

 in the mountain regions below 

 1500 feet. 



In the forest, the tree grows 

 from 50 to 100 feet with a 

 straight, continuous shaft ex- 

 tending far into the short slen- 

 der branches. 



The wood is susceptible of a very fine finish. In foreign mar- 

 kets it is known as ''Satin \Yalnut." while in our home trade it 

 has received the name of "Red Gum." 



The lumber is used in exterior trimmings, paving blocks, slack 

 barrels and boxes. It is receiving increased recognition as a 

 cabinet wood. 



The tree gained its botanical name from the fragrant, resinous 

 sap ; according to an early Spanish explorer, the sub-tropical 

 members of the family "exuded a gum. like liquidambar." Im- 

 munity from many fungus diseases common to other hard woods 

 is largely due to the presence of this gum. It is also asserted 

 that trees of verv remote ancestry like I 'aid Cypress. Red 



j - - ' 



Wood, Sycamore and Sweet Gum gain freedom from many dis- 

 eases by the gradual elimination of weaker species. 



The Sweet Gum deserves special recognition, not merely for 

 its increasing commercial value, but for it< exceptional beauty 



