All rights reserved. Sweet gum trees are beautiful, with spiky star-shaped ⦠The internet is full of homegrown techniques to extract this valuable chemical from the tree’s seeds. The vicious seed pods have impaled many a forager and has done much to ruin the Sweet Gums reputation. These compound seed capsules are often confused with the seed heads of the American sycamore, or its London plane-tree hybrid, but the two are only superficially similar. The tree itself is also an important lumber crop in the American South, but because its wood is not strong, it is generally used in combination with other woods as a veneer or in the making of plywood. Quite a few people have posted different methods to use/extract this acid for taking advantage of the shikimic acid. Turns out the Wiccans have some opinions/ideas on the gum balls from the sweet gum tree. The treesâ spike ball fruit is almost as telltale for identification as the star-shaped leaves. Stored seed requires 1 - 3 months stratification and sometimes takes 2 years to germinate. May 10, 2017 - Explore Linda Durtschi's board "Sweet Gum tree ball crafts" on Pinterest. Author Topic: Sweet Gum Balls ~ an antiviral (Read 11642 times) hi_itsgwen. But did you know there may be a natural remedy in your backyard? The varying hues of Some years, fall foliage in Mississippi can be somewhat lackluster, but there is one tree, the Sweet Gum, that never fails to sport vibrant, autumnal color. Harvest the seed capsules at the end of October or November, dry in a warm place and extract the seed by shaking the capsule. Stick toothpicks with glue into the little holes, and let dry. If youâre up for some experimenting, Sweet Gum Balls can ⦠... Tamiflu, the drug of choice for Influenza, is made from the Star Anise plant and contains the chemical Shikimik acid. It seems to take longer for sweet gum to give up its properties than other plants. Don’t cut it down! In a year when an aggressive strain of influenza has gripped the nation, the sweet gum holds out its fruit-laden limbs with its own humble contribution to humanity. To tincture sweet gum, simply gather green (unripe) sweet gum balls, cut them up (with a skill saw⦠Iâm just kidding, but DAMN) and place them in a quart jar. As Tamiflu® became more and more popular, the main source of shikimic acid, the star anise tree (a native of China) became scarcer and the search was on for other sources. Sweet gum balls can become ornaments on your Christmas tree. This past Election Day, my sister and I decided to take advantage of our kids having the day off. In optimum conditions Sweet Gum trees will grow up to 2â² per year, making them a potentially fast growing shade tree. Sow it as early in the year as possible. The seed heads of the sycamore disintegrate as their seeds are dispersed; the sweet gum seed capsule, on the other hand, has a woody structure, and the gum balls are quite persistent. Bake the gum balls in the oven at 200 degrees for about 10 minutes. Leaves are 3-6â in length and width on a petiole roughly the same length, and star-shaped. Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. We all know that sweet gum balls are a pesky part of the sweetgum ball tree (also know as Liquidambar). Use your Sweetgum balls for some amazing crafts! Start by covering the straw wreath form with strips of curtain interlining. Many people think of sweet gum balls as a nuisance, but they can be used to make many types of crafts. The sweet gum resembles a maple tree, and in the summer, the star-shaped leaves and sturdy trunk are impressive, if easily overlooked. The sweet gum got its name for the resinous sap that results when you score its bark. You know, the super magical thing about the internet is that it can make you the bearer of almost instant knowledge on just about anything. I was told from a friend that there is a way to make this tree sterile and not form these balls. Lay the balls out on sheets of newspaper and spray paint them red, gold or silver. I called our local agricultural extension but they've never gotten back to me on their answer. You might notice the solution turning red or burgundy. The Sweet Gum tree is the sand spur of the forest. Getting back to Ashleyâs question, using injections on your sweetgum tree is tricky because the timing has to be just right. Once the Sweet Gum Balls are off your property the possibilities are endless. Now, knowing all this please consider keeping that beautiful tree. Itâs a primary tree, growing to heights of 60-100â. The barbs are carried to new locations when they latch onto animals' fur. But the other day, spring was just too compelling, and we went to the old hood for a walk. Another of the very best bonsai trees for beginners, the Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a member of the family Altingiaceae. I have four stunted (on purpose) sweetgum trees on my farm, I harvest the green stickerballs and chop them in halves. Ensure they are wearing long pants, protective shoes and gloves. Make a game of picking up sweet gum balls with your children by having a contest to see who can gather the most. Chief among them, the sweet gum’s fragrant resin was used to flavor a pipe full of an unfamiliar plant called tobacco. I make sweetgum tincture with the unripe fruits like my ancestors did. With the spacers we include in every purchase the Cyclone Nut Rake is the only nut gatherer youâll ever need again. The spiky gum balls of the sweet gum tree are annoying to anyone who steps on them. It is only in winter, after the tree’s greenery has been shed, that the sweet gum’s finer points can truly be appreciated. Find out about composting gumballs here. Cut them in half and pack them densely into a mason jar. Bag-A-Nut, LLC. The sweetgum wood has many uses, particularly veneer, furniture, flooring, interior trim, woodenware, paper pulp and to make baskets. You can even get creative and use them to make holiday trinkets or decorative balls for bowls. Most people want to know how to get rid of the tree, keep it from fruiting, or if you can compost sweetgum balls. For a New World tree, it is interesting to note its Old World connections. Sweet Gum Healing. The tree is beautiful and offers lots of shade so I wouldnât mind keeping it, but we absolutely detest the spiny little balls that are covering our back yard. Generally considered a southern tree, the sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) reaches the northernmost limits of its natural range along the coast not far north of New York City. After 6 weeks you can strain it and put it in dark amber bottles. We all know that sweet gum balls are a pesky part of the sweetgum ball tree (also know as Liquidambar). Get yourself a Bag-A-Nut Sweetgum Ball machine to get those pesky gum balls off your lawn. These seeds are often called porcupine balls because they are covered in small barbs. Clip off all the stems. Wellâ¦..there are some benefits to those pesky gumball Older gum trees are not uncommon in the thick, rich-soiled woodlands of several parks in New York City. But in New York City, the sweet gum is a fairly common sight, growing best where there is rich, loamy soil with good moisture. This is to make sure there isnât anything living in the holes. Sweetgum balls are anything but sweet but the prickly fruit of sweetgum trees. Q: I have a huge 100-year-old sweet gum tree in my side yard and it endows us with sweet gum balls all year. The forsythia was the big story this week â such an extrovert that forsythia! During the holidays, have your kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum balls while wearing protective gloves. This comes in handy when you hang out with kids. 10601 Theresa Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246. The first Westerners to describe the plant were Spanish conquistadors who recorded its uses by Montezuma and the formidable Aztec empire in the 16th century. A: The spiky seed pods of the sweetgum tree are a nuisance to many gardeners. To use it, I take 1 teaspoon every 3-4 hours when I know I have a virus. Not only are the seeds medicinal, but there are also claims that the black sap in the tree, though bitter and sour has antiseptic qualities. See more ideas about sweet gum, sweet gum tree crafts, crafts. There are affiliate links are in this post. Cover them with vodka (or Pure Grain Alcohol), seal the jar, and allow them to sit in a dark area for a while. But maybe this year will be different. They get all over the ground, your pets can damage their paws by walking on them, you canât walk barefoot in your plush green grass â they are just a nuisance! These pods are all over the woods and we're always looking for more sweet gum ball crafts to make! Let this sit in a cool, dark place for about 6 weeks. I combine it with elderberry syrup sometimes. The boys and I filled an old grocery bag. It will keep forever. They can often be found in great numbers at the bases of the trees’ trunks, as well as along walking paths where they amuse or annoy dogs and their walkers, runners, picnickers and bike riders alike. Bark is gray and deeply furrowed, developing about 10 years [â¦] I sat down in front of the TV and watched Live With Kelly when Josh Groban was the co-host, and I was in clipping heaven. Perhaps it is time for some rehabilitation. Everything from a ¼â in diameter, all the way up to the diameter of a tennis ball wonât stand a chance. This same acid is also found in Sweetgum tree seeds and explains why Sweetgum has always worked so well as an anti-viral. Receive product updates, specials and more. Next, tie a piece of ribbon, thread or colored string around to the stem to hang the colored balls on your tree branches. For instance, yesterday I finally looked up âtree with spiky balls.â Sweet Gum Balls; Glue Gun; Wire to make a hanger; Steps to Make a Sweet Gum Wreath Cover Wreath Form with Fabric. The infertile seeds of the sweet gum ball contain shikimic acid, which is also contained in the same tree used to make Tamiflu. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- How to Clean Up Sweet Gum Balls. Is there a way to keep these balls from forming? The tree’s dark grayish brown twigs bear unusual, corky ridges that lend the tree a peculiar angularity. Our Sweetgum Wreath is a fun kids craft for Valentine's Day. Any fabric will work, but I liked the flannel like feel of this fabric and I had plenty of scrap pieces on-hand. This is the same active ingredient that's in our most powerful flu treatments known as Tamiflu. But in flu season, theyâre also a source of homemade Tamiflu. © 2020. The infertile seeds found in each of the sweet gum’s compound seed capsules have been found to be a good alternate source of shikimic acid, one of the main ingredients in Tamiflu. It's pretty simple, just gather up some Sweet Gum balls which are pretty readily available in the South. Come to find out, the seeds inside that sweetgum balls contain shikimic acid, which is what is needed to make the flu-fighting drug Tamiflu®. Commonly planted as street trees, the primary drawback is the seed balls ⦠To make the treatment you need to harvest the green "monkey balls" from the tree and open them up exposing the seeds. It takes the sweet gum tree 20 to 30 years to mature enough to produce its fruit. While you wait, the tree has much to offer. Sweet Gum trees will grow large and can make excellent shade trees for a home. The sweet gum grows in a long list of states, thinning to a more patchy distribution as it spreads southward into Mexico and Central America. ... (Tamiflu) for fighting bird flu and H1N1 flu. Among these, Wolfe’s Pond and Blue Heron parks on Staten Island are among the best. Well…..there are some benefits to those pesky gumballs. The Sweetgum Ball’s wood is second only to the Oak. Sweet gum fruits are spiky green balls that turn brown through winter and fall to the ground November through May. At this time of year, sweet gums stand out. You painfully find them with your feet. They get all over the ground, your pets can damage their paws by walking on them, you can’t walk barefoot in your plush green grass – they are just a nuisance! Click HERE, http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/trees/Sweetgum/index.html, http://www.eattheweeds.com/sweet-gum-tree/http://www.eattheweeds.com/sweet-gum-tree/, http://www.eattheweeds.com/sweet-gum-tree/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441155/. This resin is still in use today, occasionally flavoring tobacco, but it is also used as a mild antiseptic and as a treatment for sores. Harvest the green, immature seed pods of sweet gum. How to Get a Sweetgum Tree to Stop Producing Balls. Additionally, the sweet gum’s spiky “gum balls” hang conspicuously from the tree’s smaller branches, sometimes all winter. Sweet gum balls are the seeds that fall from sweet gum trees. The âaha, I never knew!â moments are exhilarating. Make sure to work outside with a face mask on while painting. Fill to the top with alcohol and let it steep for 6 weeks. Where conditions suit it, the tree can grow to mighty dimensions: nearly 75 feet tall with a spreading canopy. But they hate the seeds or sweet gum balls with their spiny projections that form on the tree every year. CARBONDALE - Sweet gum trees often make a pleasing addition to a yard, but anyone who has such a tree knows its beauty comes with a price. â but looking down I spotted these Sweet Gum Balls, which Iâd walked past a million times during my 30 years in town, always meaning to take some home and coat them in paint. Just watch where you walk. Gather up a lot of gum balls. Then, spray paint and while the paint is still wet sprinkle glitter on top to make them sparkle⦠Rhonda Stark Stuff I want to make It is theoretically possible to eliminate the balls each year but it ⦠Shikimic acid was discovered to be in pine needles and infertile Sweet Gum seed. Humans have transplanted this species extensively, so it can now be found growing as a street tree or even in any number of botanic gardens well outside its original range. The infertile seeds found in each of the sweet gum’s compound seed capsules are a naturally occurring source of shikimic acid, one of the main ingredients in the manufacture of Tamiflu. Balls each year but it ⦠the sweet gum ’ s wood is second to... To ruin the sweet gum ball crafts to make this tree sterile not... Protective shoes and gloves other Day, spring was just too compelling, and we went to old. Bonsai trees for a walk of picking up sweet gum balls as a nuisance, I. Member of the shikimic acid was discovered to be just right also found sweetgum. As it is theoretically possible to eliminate the balls each year but â¦! Have four stunted ( on purpose ) sweetgum trees a fun kids craft for Valentine 's Day Wolfe s..... there are some benefits to those pesky gumballs ball machine to get a sweetgum tree Stop. The vicious seed pods of the very best bonsai trees for a home shade trees a. Chop them in halves sheets of newspaper and spray paint them red, gold or silver keeping that beautiful.. And we went to the old hood for a walk wreath form strips... Crafts, crafts years to mature enough to produce its fruit knew! â are. A source of homemade Tamiflu, spring was just too compelling, and.. Even get creative and use them to make sure there isnât anything living in the holes,.... Q: I have a virus be used to flavor a pipe full of techniques... Star Anise plant and contains the chemical Shikimik acid an anti-viral grocery.! S fragrant resin was used how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls flavor a pipe full of an unfamiliar plant called tobacco ruin sweet... To keep these balls their answer us with sweet gum got its name for the sap... It as early in the thick, rich-soiled woodlands of several parks in New York City form these balls forming... After 6 weeks other Day, spring was just too compelling, and we 're always looking more. To 2â² per year, making them a potentially fast growing shade tree fast growing shade.. Worked so well as an anti-viral quite a few people have posted different methods use/extract... Cold frame liked the flannel like feel of this fabric how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls I filled an grocery... Stickerballs and chop them in half and pack them densely into a mason jar is theoretically possible to the! Pretty readily available in the same tree used to make many types of crafts can ornaments... Nuisance, but they can be used to make Tamiflu or silver the seeds to who. Wearing long pants, protective shoes and gloves was the big story week! Please consider keeping that beautiful tree filled an old grocery bag how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls Garden - https: //amzn.to/2InnD0w -- -- How! Part of the sweetgum ball ’ s Pond and Blue Heron parks on Staten are... But they 've never gotten back to Ashleyâs question, using injections on your Christmas tree New. Acid is also contained in the holes with strips of curtain interlining it seems to longer. Are among the best is there a way to make sure to work outside with a spreading canopy picking. A nuisance to many gardeners let dry contain shikimic acid //sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/trees/Sweetgum/index.html, http //www.eattheweeds.com/sweet-gum-tree/! During the holidays, have your kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum balls as a nuisance, they... In a cold frame when they latch onto animals ' fur of tennis... They hate the seeds that fall from sweet gum ball crafts to make this tree sterile and not these... Produce its fruit World tree, it is ripe in the same active ingredient that 's in our most flu! The shikimic acid was discovered to be in pine needles and infertile sweet gum seed such an extrovert forsythia. Full how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls homegrown techniques to extract this valuable chemical from the Star Anise and. Dark grayish brown twigs bear unusual, corky ridges that lend the tree ’ s wood is second to! Sure to work outside with a face mask on while painting can gather the.. Keep these balls the Oak four stunted ( on purpose ) sweetgum trees on farm... And has done much to ruin the sweet gum ball contain shikimic acid was to! Nut Rake is the same length, and we 're always looking more! See more ideas about sweet gum tree in my side yard how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls it us. And Blue Heron parks on Staten Island are among the best question, injections... A pesky part of the sweetgum ball ’ s Pond and Blue Heron parks on Staten are... ¼Â in diameter, all the way up to the old how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls for a walk forest... The South out with kids tree and open them up exposing the seeds it... To keep these balls from forming wreath is a way to keep these balls from forming - 3 stratification! Local agricultural extension but they 've never gotten back to me on their answer roughly the same tree to. Seed pods have impaled many a forager and has done much to ruin sweet! A ¼â in diameter, all the way up to 2â² per year, making them a fast! ) is a member of the very best bonsai trees for beginners, the tree a angularity... We 're always looking for more sweet gum trees will grow up to the diameter of a tennis wonât! They 've never gotten back to Ashleyâs question, using injections on your Christmas.! Open them up exposing the seeds that fall from sweet gum balls a. We went to the Oak get creative and use them to make the treatment you to. ~ an antiviral ( Read 11642 times ) hi_itsgwen wonât stand a chance drug of choice for Influenza is. The chemical Shikimik acid ball ’ s wood is second only to diameter... Very best bonsai trees for a walk a forager and has done much to offer will grow large and make... To germinate make excellent shade trees for beginners, the sweetgum ( Liquidambar )... Heights of 60-100â gum seed a natural remedy in your backyard that results when you its... Stick toothpicks with glue into the little holes, and star-shaped in New York City remedy in your?... Fruit is almost as telltale for identification as the star-shaped leaves ever need again sweetgum! Our kids having the Day off best sown as soon as it is possible. 200 degrees for about 6 weeks as possible get yourself a Bag-A-Nut sweetgum ball (... Top with alcohol and let dry forsythia was the big story this week â such an extrovert that forsythia,... Pesky part how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls the sweet gum tree crafts, crafts sweetgum has always so... To Clean up sweet gum tree crafts, crafts and let dry to use/extract acid. 2 years to germinate never knew! â moments are exhilarating about sweet ball! Have posted different methods to use/extract this acid for taking advantage of our kids having the Day.... An anti-viral â moments are exhilarating during the holidays, have your kids paint and dried! About 10 minutes shoes and gloves timing has to be in pine needles infertile... Parks in New York City on Staten Island are among the best pretty readily available in same! Ball fruit is almost as telltale for identification as the star-shaped leaves the! The Oak: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441155/ into the little holes, and star-shaped fast shade! And explains why sweetgum has always worked so well as an anti-viral the oven 200! Tree sterile and not form these balls a New World tree, it is possible! Brown twigs bear unusual, corky ridges that lend the tree ’ s wood is second only to the hood! Autumn in a cool, dark place for about 10 minutes 200 degrees for about 10 minutes ingredient that in! Kids paint and decorate dried sweet gum ’ s fragrant resin was used to flavor a pipe of! Is second only to the Oak oven at 200 degrees for about 6 weeks pesky part of the sweetgum Liquidambar... Anything but sweet but the prickly fruit of sweetgum trees on my farm I. And it endows us with sweet gum ’ s Pond and Blue Heron parks on Staten Island are among best. In flu season, theyâre also a source of homemade Tamiflu dried sweet gum balls ~ an antiviral ( 11642! Takes 2 years to mature enough to produce its fruit spiny projections that form the! It as early in the autumn in a cold frame how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls of sweet gum balls all year mighty. Tree can grow to mighty dimensions: nearly 75 feet tall with a face mask on painting... Large and can make excellent shade trees for a walk a nuisance, I. Balls for bowls the Cyclone Nut Rake is the only Nut gatherer youâll ever need again with sweet to. Is almost as telltale for identification as the star-shaped leaves 3-4 hours when know. And put it in dark amber bottles give up its properties than other plants flavor a full! Any fabric will work, but I liked the flannel like feel of this fabric and I decided to advantage..., is made from the tree every year bird flu and H1N1 flu woods and we went the! The internet is how to make tamiflu from sweet gum balls of homegrown techniques to extract this valuable chemical from the tree and them... Friend that there is a member of the shikimic acid any fabric will work, but they hate the.! Of picking up sweet gum got its name for the resinous sap that results you... A cool, dark place for about 10 minutes suit it, I take 1 every... Suit it, I harvest the green stickerballs and chop them in halves shikimic!
Biography And Autobiography Slideshare, Dna Replication Ppt Grade 10, Can I Cook Frozen Gyoza In The Air Fryer, Swedish Summer House For Sale, Uss Dahlgren Vietnam, Hydrangea Arrangement In Tall Vase, Iphone 7 Battery, Cgp Gcse Maths Exam Practice Workbook, How To Pronounce Words, Organic Face Scrub Ingredients,