American Sweetgum

Sweetgum ball. (I think there might be creatures living in there, little spiders, no doubt.) Sweetgum is one of the most common hardwoods in the Southeastern U.S. And, if you grew up here, you've probably spray-painted the spiky balls gold and hung them on the Christmas tree. The second photo shows last year's balls still attached to the tree as new spring growth buds out.<br><br>
Same tree:<br>
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/30916043<br&gt;
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/31333012<br&gt;