Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus

Sycamore maple or planetree maple is a deciduous tree in the the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family native to northwest/Central Europe and Western Asia. It is a rounded, spreading, tree that grows 40-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall.

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, some drought, and salt. Generally tolerant of many urban pollutants. Prefers cool summer climates and does not perform well in the southeastern U.S. south of USDA Zone 7.

This may not be the best selection for the landscape since it is not particularly ornamental and has poor fall color. It may be used as a shade tree. It is often planted along the east coast because of its tolerance for salt spray.

The cultivar 'Atropurpureum' is a dark-leaved variant.  The leaves are showy, green above and a velvety purplish-red on the underside.  The fall color is an orange-red.

'Brilliantissium' also has showy leaves.  New leaves are a brilliant shrimp-pink, turning a pale yellow-green, then a light to medium green above and pale green below.  Reaches a height of 20'.  

'Esk Sunset' is another cultivar with showy leaves.  In the spring, the leaves will emerge as an orange-pink then mature to shades of deep green.  They are splashed with cream, tan and pink with maroon below.  Grows to a height of 12-15'.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Canker is an issue for this tree.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University