The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a fast growing shade tree whose mature canopy can reach 70 feet in width! They are known for having large trunk diameters, and display monoecious flowers in the springtime - male flowers are yellow, and female flowers are red. American sycamore are naturally found in both upland and lowland environments. In upland environments, they are often a pioneer species.

Photos by Mundhenk, Cbaile19, Jeff Turner, and Patrick Alexander

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Per-bundle pricing displayed below. Multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.

Bundle of 5: $30

Bundle of 10: $46

Bundle of 25: $88

Bundle of 50: $142

Bundle of 100: $236

STATS ON AMERICAN SYCAMORE

• Mature Height:  75–100 feet

• Mature Canopy Width:  40–70 feet

• Soil Type:  Acidic, sandy loam, well-drained

• Moisture:  Wet

• Sun:  Full Sun, Partial Shade

• Growth Rate: Fast

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICAN SYCAMORE

• American sycamores are typically found in low elevation areas; thriving along rivers and floodplains. Moving water is a significant mechanism for their seed dispersion. Female sycamore flowers are red in color, while male flowers are yellow. Both form ball-shaped clusters.

• Sycamore have alternating leaves with 3, 4, or 5 pointed lobes. Leaves are star-shaped, and often wider than they are long.

• The most eye-catching part of sycamore trees is their colorful, exfoliating bark. Sometimes referred to as the “camouflage tree”, the thin bark appears mottled, showing patches of brown, green, white, and tan.

DID YOU KNOW?

American sycamores are popular for urban plantings. They not only produce a lot of shade with their wide-canopies, but are also resistant to different types of air pollution, salty soils, and other urban stressors. However, it grows best along waterways and in floodplains.

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