#34
Accession Number: 0034-0000
Common Name: American Sycamore
Latin Name: Platanus occidentalis
Family: Platanaceae (Plane Tree Family)
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Height: 75–100 feet
Spread: 75–100 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Yellow (male) and red (female)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Light Preference: Full sun
Water Needs: Medium to wet
Notes: Works well as a shade tree, in a rain garden; fruit is showy; tolerates deer, wet soil, air pollution
Description: American Sycamore is considered the largest indigenous tree in eastern North America. Usually with a single trunk, it typically reaches to 75-100’ in height and occasionally more, with a trunk diameter ranging from 3-8’ (although some have been known nearly double this). They generally reach this largest size along streams, rivers, and in flood plains. Perhaps its most recognized feature is the exfoliating brown bark which reveals irregular areas of white inner bark, creating a signature mottled appearance. Non-showy spring flowers give way to spheres of densely packed seeds on long stems, which turn brown in October and persist into early winter, gradually disintegrating in fluffy tufts of seeds dispersed by the wind. The wood has been used for products such as cabinets, furniture, crates, barrels, and butcher blocks.
