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Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore (American Planetree)
Green, maple-like leaves give way to a yellow-brown colour in the fall. They are known for their mottled, light brown bark, which exfoliates to reveal a creamy-white, inner bark, making it very identifiable. Nondescript flowers produce numerous, spherical, fruiting balls that ripen in autumn.
- » Horizontal branching, with a rounded habit
- » Large, medium green leaves are maple-like in shape
- » Fall colour is an insignificant yellow-brown
- » Light brown bark exfoliates in large strips, revealing creamy-white patches
- » Insignificant flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical, fruiting balls
- » Bloom Time: April
Exposure
| • | Full Sun |
Growth Rate
| • | Fast |
Flowering Time
| • | Spring |
Landscape uses
| • | Specimen |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Platanus occidentalis
European settlers reportedly gave this tree the common name of sycamore, because the foliage resembled the sycamore of the British Isles (Acer pseudoplatanus), which is actually a maple.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Platanus occidentalis
Tolerant of urban environments and a variety of soil conditions, including high pH, this tree is a suitable specimen for a larger landscape, park or street tree. Its most notable attribute is its exfoliating bark, giving the tree a mottled look. One of the largest-growing cultivars of platanus.