Platanus racemosa

Common Names

California Sycamore, Western Sycamore, Aliso, California Plane Tree, California Plane, Sycamore

Summary

California sycamore is a native deciduous tree of California and Baja California that grows rapidly to about 40–80 ft tall with an irregular, multi-trunk crown. It features mottled bark that peels to reveal pale cream and tan patches and large 3–5 lobed leaves; spring inflorescences yield spherical seed balls, and autumn foliage turns golden to orange-red. It inhabits streamsides and canyons in temperate climates and shows winter dormancy.

It prefers full sun to partial shade, moderate temperatures and humidity, and regular watering with partial drying between waterings in moist, well-drained loamy soil, tolerating a range of soils but avoiding waterlogging; drought-tolerant once established. It is widely used as a shade tree in urban settings, is pollution-resistant, supports wildlife, and has an aggressive root system requiring ample spacing from sidewalks and foundations; it can be affected by sycamore anthracnose, so monitoring is advised. USDA hardiness zones 7a–10b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-80 ft

Spread

20-50 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; partial sun or partial shade are also acceptable.

Soil Type

Moist, loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Golden to reddish-orange

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Fall, Winter, Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Stratified seeds (2–3 months)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators such as moths