| Name | Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) |
| Type | Hardwood. |
| Other Names | Also known as alligator tree, bilsted, redgum, sapgum, starleaf gum, liquidambar, hazel pine, and satin walnut. |
| Sources | Grows in eastern half of United States. |
| Appearance | Interlocked, irregular grain with a fine uniform texture and satiny luster. Reddish brown heartwood (sold as “redgum”) and creamy white sapwood (sold as “sapgum”). Noted for figured grain which often forms a ribbon stripe. |
| Physical Props | Rates moderate in hardness, weight, strength, stiffness, and shock resistance. Steam-bends poorly. Low decay resistance and dimensional stability. |
| Working Props | Works quite easily with machine or hand tools. Holds screws and nails well without splitting. Glues, sands, stains and finishes easily. |
| Uses | Used for interior furniture, veneer, radio and other cabinets, trim, paneling, dowels, baskets, cases, crates, pallets, and crossties. |
| Comments | Often cut into veneer that is stained to simulate other woods such as cherry. |
