In North America, trees called sycamore belong to the genus Platanus, and are also called plane trees. There are about eight species of sycamore, six of them native to North America. Most are large, majestic trees with spreading canopies, large lobed deciduous leaves, and white bark peeling to reveal darker patches.
The native range of the sycamore tree spans across eastern and central United States, including regions from Maine down to northern Florida and west to the eastern edge of the Great Plains. It is also found in parts of northeastern Mexico, extreme southern Ontario, and extreme southern Quebec. It is usually called sycamore in North America, a name which can refer to other types of trees in other parts of the world. The American sycamore is a long-lived species, typically surviving at least 200 years and likely as long as 500–600 years.
Sycamore can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a wide spreading, irregularly shaped crown. It’s usually recognized by its mottled, reddish-brown to gray bark that peels away in large flakes, revealing a lighter inner bark that is white to cream-colored. The bark of all trees has to yield to a growing trunk by stretching, splitting, or infilling, but sycamore bark is more rigid and less elastic than the bark of other trees.
The leaves of the sycamore are large, with some species having leaves that can grow up to 13 inches long. They are three to five lobed, with coarse toothed margins, and lateral lobes that appear folded. The leaves are green in color and have a smooth upper surface.
Sycamore trees have a fruit, which is a round ball that hangs from a long, flexible stalk. The fruit is about 1 inch in diameter and contains seeds that are clustered together. The fruit balls are often referred to as “buttonballs” or “sycamore balls” due to their distinctive shape.
The sycamore tree is often divided near the ground into several secondary trunks, very free from branches. Spreading limbs at the top make an irregular, open head. Roots are fibrous. The trunks of large trees are often hollow.
Sycamore trees have a rapid growth rate. They can grow up to 6 feet per year, making them a popular choice for those looking to quickly establish a large shade tree. However, this rapid growth can also lead to problems with weak wood and a tendency to develop large, spreading roots that can disrupt sidewalks and foundations.
Depending on the species, the trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, and thrive in full sun or light shade in well-draining soil. They are hardy and adaptable, able to grow in a wide range of climates and soil types. The trees grow best on moist soils, often found along streambanks and on bottomlands.
They are tolerant of urban pollution, drought, and salt, making them a popular choice for city parks and streetscapes. However, they are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, canker stain, sycamore anthracnose, sycamore lace bug, bacterial leaf scorch, and twig, bud, and shoot blight.
The wood of sycamore is moderately hard, heavy, strong and resistant to shock. It is not durable, and should not be used where exposed to moisture of conditions favoring decay. The primary uses are for veneer, boxes, flooring, boxes, pallets, crates and butcher blocks because it is very difficult to split.
List of Sycamore Tree
- American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
- Arizona Sycamore (Plantanus wrightii)
- Mexican Sycamore (Platanus mexicana)
- English Sycamore (Platanus × acerifolia)
- Old World Sycamore (Platanus orientalis)
- Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Description With Pictures
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Native to rich, moist soils of Eastern North America, the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is also called American plane tree, buttonball or buttonwood. It generally grows to 100 feet tall, but can reach 150 to 170 feet high. It will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4b through 9a.
California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
Similar in growth and appearance to the American sycamore, California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) also called western sycamore or California plane tree is native from central California south to Mexico, USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. It has a graceful, often leaning habit. The tree is widely planted as a street and landscaping tree in California. Also fast-growing, cultivated trees of California sycamore have grown to 98 feet tall in fewer than 25 years.
Arizona Sycamore (Plantanus wrightii)
Arizona sycamore (Plantanus wrightii) greatly resembles California sycamore, and some botanists regard it as a subspecies of California sycamore. It is native to canyons, streams and rivers in south and central Arizona, extending to adjacent western New Mexico and northern Mexico. It is commonly used as a landscaping tree for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11.
English Sycamore (Platanus × acerifolia)
This is a hybrid between American sycamore and Oriental sycamore (Platanus orientalis). It is native to central Europe and southwestern Asia. It was introduced to England in the 16th century and has since become a common sight in parks and gardens across the country. English sycamore is smaller and straighter than other sycamores, giving a more formal and uniform aspect in mass plantings. The bark is darker than other sycamore species, having tones of purple-gray and drab green in smaller patches.
Mexican Sycamore (Platanus mexicana)
The Mexican Sycamore is native to central and northeastern Mexico. It is known for its large, maple-like leaves with velvety, silver undersides, and smooth white-and-tan bark. This tree is drought tolerant and grows rapidly, reaching a mature height of about 50 feet in landscapes, although it can grow up to 80 feet in its natural environment. It thrives in USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8b, which includes parts of Texas and Florida, and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The Mexican Sycamore is a resilient and adaptable tree.
Old World Sycamore (Platanus orientalis)
The Old World Sycamore is tree native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It has flaky bark that peels away in patches, revealing a creamy white inner layer. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a broad, spreading crown. It is a popular choice for parks and large gardens. Its leaves are large and maple-like, with five to seven lobes and a glossy green color. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow. The Old World Sycamore is also known for its durability, with some specimens living for hundreds of years.
Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
The Sycamore Maple is native to Central Europe and Western Asia. It is also commonly known as the sycamore in the British Isles and the sycamore maple in the United States. This tree can grow up to 35 meters tall and live for up to 400 years. It has a rounded, spreading growth habit and prefers full sun to partial shade. Sycamore maples have a high tolerance for wind and coastal exposure.