Looking for a beautiful and fast-growing deciduous tree? Look no further than Liquidambar styraciflua, also known as Redgum, Sapgum, and Sweetgum. This medium to large tree can reach up to 100 ft tall, with a symmetrical cone-shaped crown and star-shaped leaves that turn brilliant orange, red, and purple in the autumn. The fruits are spiny, globe-shaped balls that become brown, and the bark attaches itself to branches in plates for a unique reptilian appearance. It grows best on moist, well-drained sites in full sun to filtered shade and is commonly found on bottomland sites. Noted for its fast growth, large size, and reddish fall color, this highly ornamental plant is a must-have for any garden or landscape.