The Sweet Gum trees, like the Black Walnuts, were planted in the 1980’s by Kim Steiner. The sweet gum trees are now being used by Dr. Jesse Lasky for a long-term experiment comparing Sweet Gum genotypes from different locations across the species range. The main premise behind this project is very similar to the one behind the Black Walnut Tree provenance study. This experiment includes seeds ranging from Arkansas to New York. Dr. Lasky is now studying these trees to identify genes and traits that may allow sweetgum to adapt to different climates and climate change. In order to learn more about the Sweet Gum Tree Research Plot, please contact Dr. Jesse Lasky by email at jrl35@psu.edu.
For more information visit the
Sustainability Experience Center website.