Form: This is a large tree ranging from 80 - 120 ft. and a dbh of 3 - 4 ft. It develops a prymidal crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: 5-7 lobed; orbicular

Margin: finely serrate

Texture: pubescent on axils of the veins

Venation: palmate

Bark: The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed with rounded ridges.

Twigs and buds: Twigs are often winged. They are shiny green to yellowish brown and stout. The terminal bud is large and covered with orange brown scales.

Flowers and fruit: Flowers are monoecious, not showy, and green in color. The fruit looks like gum balls* with brown spiny spheres. Capsules contain 2 seeds released from each opening.

Distinguishing characteristics: It's pith is star-shaped. Look for the corky wings on twigs, gumball fruits, and distinct leaf shape.

Range: Connecticut south to Florida west to Missouri

Silvics: intolerant; moist bottom lands; mesic uplands

Ecological and cultural importance: It has a resinous sap (storax) used in paints and varnishes. Wood used in lumber, plywood, and veneer. Seedlings are browsed by birds and squirrels.