Platanus occidentalis

Common Names

American Sycamore, Sycamore, Buttonwood, American Planetree, Buttonball Tree, American Plane Tree, Planetree, Western Plane Tree

Summary

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a native deciduous tree from the eastern United States and among the largest eastern hardwoods, typically 75–100 ft tall and 50–70 ft wide (23–30 m by 15–21 m), it forms a broad, open crown that is pyramidal when young and becomes irregular with age, bark is distinctive, mottled and patchy, peeling to reveal light inner bark, leaves are large, maple-like with 3–5 lobes and palmate venation, and the tree bears spherical seed heads that persist into winter, in cultivation, it grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile, well-drained soils, and tolerates a wide range of soil types from clay to sand and pH from acidic to alkaline, typically in USDA zones 4–9, it is fast-growing and suitable for parks, large landscapes, screens, and street plantings, but space is essential due to its large mature size, shallow roots can lift sidewalks, so planting should allow ample space and at least 12 feet between sidewalks and curbs, propagation is by seed, with cultivars propagated by cuttings, commonly used for shade in urban settings, it is susceptible to anthracnose and other pests (aphids, lace bugs) and diseases (powdery mildew, leaf spots), while litter from leaves, seed balls, and twigs can be a consideration

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

900-1200 inches

Spread

75-100 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade; not suitable for full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, Alluvial soils near streams and lakes

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal soil pH; tolerates a wide range from acidic to alkaline

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green foliage with a paler underside.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth, about 3-6 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Vegetative (stump and root sprouting)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts insect pollinators