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.
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.
The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), also known as the American planetree or buttonwood, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. It’s one of the largest trees in the eastern deciduous forests and is known for its massive size, fast growth, and distinctive, exfoliating bark.
On average, these trees can grow to heights of 75 to 100 feet, with some specimens reaching up to 130 feet. The trunk diameter of an American Sycamore can range from 3 to 8 feet, with some exceptional trees having trunks as wide as 13 feet (4 meters). The canopy of an American Sycamore is equally impressive, with a spread of 60 to 80 feet, providing ample shade.
These trees have a rapid growth rate, adding 3 to 6 feet in height per year. American Sycamores can live for several centuries, with some trees reaching ages of 500 to 600 years. It is also one of North America’s largest trees, with reported specimens reaching over 2,500 years old. The largest recorded specimen was near Alum Rock in California and measured 22 feet in diameter and 266 feet tall when felled in 1964.
The bark of a young American Sycamore is smooth and light brown. As the tree ages, the bark begins to peel and flake off, revealing a mottled mix of colors beneath. The outer bark is usually a reddish-brown to gray, while the inner bark exposed by the flaking is a lighter, cream-colored.
The flaking of the bark is most noticeable on the lower trunk and larger branches. The upper branches and smaller twigs may retain a smoother, more intact bark. This flaking process is often referred to as “exfoliation” and is a natural part of the tree’s growth cycle.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and palmately veined, meaning the veins radiate out from a single point at the base of the leaf. They are broadly ovate, with 3 to 5 lobes, and can be as wide as 4 to 9 inches (10 to 23 centimeters). The leaf margins are coarsely toothed, and the upper surface is medium to dark green, while the underside is paler.
The leaves are similar to those of the maple tree, but they are generally larger and more deeply lobed. The lobes are often described as “maple-like,” and the overall shape of the leaf is broad and hand-like. In the fall, the leaves of the American Sycamore turn a beautiful golden yellow, adding to the tree’s autumn spectacle. The leaves are deciduous, they fall off the tree in the fall, leaving the tree bare for the winter.
The American Sycamore produces spherical fruit balls. Each fruit ball is composed of numerous achenes, which are small, dry, one-seeded fruits. These achenes are arranged in a spherical cluster, giving the fruit its characteristic ball-like appearance. The fruit balls are about 3 inches in diameter. They ripen to a brown color in the fall and often persist on the tree throughout the winter, eventually breaking up or falling off the following spring. The fruit balls provide food for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals, who feed on the seeds contained within the achenes.
The American Sycamore is a pioneer species that can grow in a variety of environments, from wet sites to old fields. It’s often found in riparian areas (in lowland areas, along streams, rivers, and flood plains), and can grow at elevations from just above sea level to 305 feet in the northern part and 762 feet in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains.
This Sycamore is not considered threatened or endangered. However, like many species, it can be affected by habitat loss and degradation. It’s also susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests, including anthracnose, a fungal disease that can cause leaf damage and defoliation.
This tree is highly valued for its wood, which can be used furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, and veneer production due to its strength, durability, and attractive grain pattern.
Cultivation
- Choose a location with plenty of space, as the American sycamore can grow quite large. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- The best time to plant an American sycamore tree is in the fall or early spring. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- While the tree is young, water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, the American sycamore is fairly drought-tolerant.
- Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, prune to maintain a strong central leader and remove any competing branches.
- The American sycamore can be susceptible to anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and can defoliate the tree. If you notice signs of anthracnose, apply a fungicide according to the package instructions.
- In colder regions, the American sycamore may benefit from a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.