Q: This is located in a residential yard in Southern Alabama. It is not a sweetgum tree. No “balls” underneath and the leaves are similar, but not exact. We have sweetgum trees here and the leaves do not look the same.

A: This is indeed a sweetgum.

The leaf shape is very intriguing. If it has good fall color and particularly if it has few gumballs, it could be a patentable tree.

To inquire if you have something special, send several photos to Plant Introductions and ItSaulPlants