Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis

Height: 75-100´
Habit: broad-rounded, irregular

Landscape Value:

The unique, creamy-white bark of the sycamore is extremely attractive but the tree is not an ideal choice, especially for smaller landscape situations. It reaches gargantuan proportions and needs more space than an average lawn can accommodate. Sycamores are very messy; their leaves, branches, and stems fall throughout the year and present a substantial maintenance consideration. The tree also suffers from a number of pests and diseases, with varying degrees of severity. The London planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) is a better choice for most landscapes. Its bark is often more olive than pure white, and it carries some resistance to anthracnose but otherwise is a very similar to a sycamore. There are selections that possess greater pest and disease resistance than that of the common sycamore. A sycamore can be a strikingly beautiful tree that thrives along riverbanks. It's best to leave it there.

Seasonal Characteristics:

• All year: The sycamore's handsome bark and grand size are eye-catching throughout the year, especially in winter when the leaves have fallen. Unfortunately, maintenance is also a year-round concern.
  
  
• Fall: Fall color is usually some form of brown and most often quite poor.

Points of Interest:

The sycamore is the largest tree in the eastern United States; it can commonly reach heights of 150´. On an early surveying expedition, George Washington measured an Ohio specimen in excess of 47 feet in circumference, 5 feet above the ground. Most sycamores more than 100 years old are hollow. Pioneers often took advantage of that fact by sheltering in a hospitable giant until their log cabins could be built. The fruit of the sycamore is a 1" ball similar to the sweetgum but not as spiny. The fruits on this tree are almost always borne singly, whereas the London Planetree will have fruit in 2s, and 3s as well as singly.

Native Range:

Illinois, eastern U.S. west to Texas and Nebraska. It's usually found along stream and riverbanks.

Link to Sycamore