Sweetgum Seedpods: Nature's Spiky Balls

A family found a golf-ball-sized spiky ball with a stem and small openings—identified as a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) seedpod. The expert suggested teaching kids to identify the tree by its five-lobed leaves ("five fingers for sweet gum") and redbud by heart-shaped leaves ("red blood pumps through your heart").

Sweetgums are common, fast-growing natives with brilliant fall color. The spiky pods persist into winter and can be a nuisance on lawns. They're also used in crafts.

Fun ID Tricks:

• Sweetgum: 5-lobed leaves = 5 fingers reaching for gum.
• Redbud: Heart-shaped leaves = red blood in heart.
• Maple: Opposite branching, paired seeds.

Turn tree ID into a game for young naturalists.