Platanus occidentalis Sycamore

General

Platanus occidentalis is a massive, striking tree. In winter, its white bark makes a strong impression on a landscape. It prefers wetter lowland areas near rivers and in floodplains. It is slightly toxic to some humans, capable of generating an allergic reaction.

Plant Description

Platanus occidentalis is a large tree with brown, light and dark grey, and white bark. The fruit of the Sycamore tree is light brown when ripe, round, and spiky, and hangs from the tree as if it were an ornament. Sycamore trees can grow over 100 feet tall and have large, thick trunks. Sycamore trees have yellow green leaves that are square in shape and toothed.

Height (ft)
100+

Spread (ft)
40-90

Soil moisture
 Wet and moist

Soil types

Medium to coarse

Wetland indicator
FACW-

Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Prefers Sun

Bloom color
Red

Bloom period
Spring

Fall conspicuous
Yes

Anaerobic tolerance
Medium

Drought tolerance
Low

Salinity tolerance
None

Self-Pollinating?
Yes

Range

The Sycamore is native to most northeast, southeast, and Midwest/Middle southern states, as well as in Canada in areas surrounding the great lakes. Within the northeast, it is most common in southern VT, NY, MA, CT, and RI.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, a compound including this species has been used in a steam bath for indigestion. The wood has been used for lumber and a decoction of the bark has been taken for pulmonary tuberculosis.