The sweet gum tree, also known as Liquidambar styraciflua, is a hardwood tree that is native to North and Central America. It produces a thick resin that has a sweet smell, giving the tree its name. There are several synonyms to refer to the sweet gum tree, including red gum, star-leaved gum, and alligator wood. The tree grows tall, typically reaching a height of 60 to 70 feet, and its leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The sweet gum tree is also valued for its commercial use as a source of timber and for the production of resin, which is used in the manufacturing of products such as adhesives, cosmetics, and varnishes.