It is used for furniture, veneer, cabinets, interior trim and for many other purposes. Early settlers used it to treat skin troubles, diphtheria, dysentery and catarrh. The gum from a species native to Turkey, L. orientalis , was prized as an incense in Christian and Indian temples. This species is used to only a small extent by wildlife . Birds, especially finches, eat the seeds, as do squirrels and chipmunks.
Beavers eat the wood.
Although the sweetgum is an excellent lawn tree, several drawbacks impact on its horticultural use. F. It has brilliant red fall color and is a fast grower.