American Plane Tree Platanus occidentalis

The American sycamore is a large, fast–growing, woody, deciduous tree in the platanus family (Platanaceae). It has a wide spreading, irregularly shaped crown and distinctive bark. It is native to southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. The genus name is derived from the Greek word, plantanos, and originates from the oriental plane tree or Platanus orientalis. The epithet, occidentalis, means western. It was given its common name, sycamore, by European settlers because the foliage looked similar to the sycamore of the British Isles. 

The American sycamore may grow 75 to 100 feet tall, is equally as wide, and has a trunk diameter of 10 feet or more. It prefers full sun and moist soils with good drainage but is not particular about soil pH or texture. Propagate it by seed. It is moderately deer-resistant yet is a food source for small mammals and songbirds. It tolerates being planted near black walnut, pollution and urban conditions. 

The wood is hard and moderately strong. Native Americans hollowed out the trunk of the American sycamore to make canoes. The sap is sweet and can be tapped in the spring for use as syrup and sugar.

When considering American sycamore for a home landscape, keep in mind that it will require a very large space and its littering of twigs and fruits can be messy.  Use it as a privacy screen, a shade tree or a street tree. Plant it as a specimen in a woodland, or a children's, edible, native or rain garden. 

Quick ID Hints:

• A large deciduous tree, 75 to 100 feet tall and equally as wide, irregular crown
• The bark is reddish brown to gray, scaly at the base. The upper bark is light gray and exfoliates to expose the inner bark that is white to cream-colored.
• The stems are zigzag, stout and orangish-brown.
• The buds are large, smooth, and best seen during the winter.
• The alternate, large, green, three to five lobed leaves are 4 to 9 inches wide, have coarse toothed margins, and lateral lobes that appear folded.
• The small male and female flowers are insignificant and appear in a single dense cluster on a stalk.
• The fruit ball has a fibrous interior and is densely packed with seeds or achenes.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Potential insects include borers, scales, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and spider mites. Sycamore anthracnose can severely damage foliage and twigs and frequently causes premature leaf drop. It is susceptible to canker, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. It is susceptible to wind damage. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.