Sycamore Tree

 

The Platanus occidental is the American sycamore with heights between 80-130 feet tall. It has an extensive spread of branches that make the tree almost as full as it is tall. The fuzzy light green leaves with 3-5 lobes will vary in the number of teeth, or points, that are on the 4-7 inch long blade. The large leaves make it the perfect tree for a shade tree option with brown leaves for fall color. The blooms of a brown ball-formation seedpod appear in spring and will vary in color depending on the variety. Many trees have a single ball that develops on a thin twig-like branch, while others varieties have two.

 

 

It has bark that sheds. As the tree grows, it can have colors from green to dark brown because of a shedding process the tree goes through as it develops. The branches on the top of the tree are white. It is hardy from zones 4-9. It will grow well in most pH levels as long as it is in a well-drained deep, fertile soil. It is common to see the sycamore tree along banks of trees.

 

 

Partly due to the seed balls falling from the tree and finding a spot along the bank downstream to set roots. The Platanus racemosa is a variety of sycamore that is native to California areas. The characteristics of the tree are similar, but the California variety has a maroon-red ball that appears in spring, and the fall colors are more a yellowish-reddish orange blend. The sycamore is a large shade tree that will cover a large area of the yard.