In autumn, the leaves turn yellow, pale orange, or deep red. Fall color is outstanding. The flowers are yellow to green and have two kinds on the same plant. The seed-producing flowers occur in long, stalked heads at the base of the inflorescence. The fruit matures in November and can be a serious litter problem.
Buds are darker than the twigs, sharp, pointed, lustrous brown, and fragrant when crushed.
The twigs are stout, angular, smooth, and glabrous. Twigs often have corky, winged projections. On younger trunks, bark is smoother and dark gray. The bark on older trunks is deeply furrowed, grayish-brown, and scaly. The sweetgum is extensively planted as an ornamental tree.