Sycamore

Sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis)

GIS Coordinate:
N40 21.081 W94 52.939

Trail Number:
G1

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Description

Family:
Platanaceae

Foliage:
Simple, alternate leaves that are 4-9 inches wide

Native Locale:
Maine to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Florida and Texas into northeastern Mexico

Mature Height:
75 to 100 feet

Mature Width:
75 to 100 feet

Hardiness Zones:
Zone 4 to 9

Soil Preference:
Prefers deep, rich, moist, well drained soils; will grow in about anything

Growth Habit:
Massive trunk and a wide-spreading open crown of massive, crooked branches

Rate of Growth:
Medium to Fast

Disease and Insect:
Antracnose, leafspots, aphids, Sycamore plant bug, Sycamore tussock moth, scales, bagworms, borers, ad infinitum

Landscape Value:
n/a

Additional Notes:

• Bark: Bark peels in patches leaving a whitish brown, patchy appearance. the underneath sides of the leaves are often covered with lacebugs
• Indians used the logs to make canoes. 1-inch round seeds balls hang on single slender stems in groups of two and three. The wood grain is hard to cut and consequently suitable for making butcher blocks.