A large, open-crowned tree, sweet-gum grows 75 ft. tall. Large, aromatic tree with straight trunk and conical crown that becomes round and spreading. Young trees are distinctly conical in form. Glossy green, deciduous leaves have five deep lobes making a star shape. Fall foliage is purple and red, and will become colourful even without cold temperatures. The fruit is a globular, horny, woody ball, 1 in. in diameter, which hangs on a long stem and persists through January.