Sweetgum Tree

The American Sweetgum tree is a deciduous tree that is native to the warmer areas of the eastern United States. It is characterized by its five point star-shaped leaf and spiked seeds.

 
The Sweetgum is found from New Jersey to northern Florida, west to Texas and north to Illinois and Indiana. It is also found in California and prefers bottomlands and coastal clkimate zones.

This tree lives for more than one hundred years and grows to more than130 feet tall. This hardwood tree is used for lumber to make boxes, crates, and railroad ties. It is alos used for firewood, pulpwood, and plywood. 

The resin of the Sweetgum has been used as medicine by Native Americans and was mixed with tobacco and smoked by Mexican emperors. It now has no medicinal use, though it is still used as an ingredient in perfumes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_gum_tree