fungus???

[just_a_tree_guy]

This is a branch from a sweetgum tree. Not sure what this growth is. Anyone have any idea?

 

[oldoakman]

The product of the cork cambium aka bark. Specifically a bark wing. This is an ID caracteristic of Sweet Gum but is surprisingly absent on Sweet Gum in the south. Welcome to the Buzz!! "Drink up yinz bitches!"

 

[guymayor]

[ QUOTE ]
surprisingly absent on Sweet Gum in the south.

[/ QUOTE ]

here in NC some gum trees have wings twice that size; all have some. yours is maybe a little corkier than average.

re ID, Winged elm is common too, but has thinner darker wings.

 

[opposablethumb]

[ QUOTE ]
but is surprisingly absent on Sweet Gum in the south.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've got two sweetgums that stand adjacent to each other on my campus in E. Tennessee - one has the wings, one doesn't.

Sure looks cool though...

 

[oldoakman]

Hardly ever see wings on sweet gum around here or where I lived in Arkansas. Won't see many winged elms in Pgh though. Out of their range.