Sweetgum “Wings” on Twigs: Normal Corky Growth, Not Fungus

Those strange ribbon-like growths on your small tree’s branches aren’t a fungus—they’re corky extrusions, a hallmark of young sweetgums (Liquidambar styraciflua). They typically appear on second- or third-year twigs and are completely normal.

What to Do

• Leave it: Sweetgums become excellent shade trees with brilliant fall color.
• Remove it: If it crowds other plants, cut it down. Be aware that mature sweetgums drop copious spiny seed balls each autumn.

No treatment needed—just enjoy the tree’s unique texture or make space for other plants.