Sycamore, American

Platanus occidentalis

Height: 75-100ft
Spread: 75-100ft
Zone: 4-9
Exposure: Full sun
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
Uses: Shade tree, park tree, rain garden
Maintenance: High
Tree Shape: Broad, pyramidal, irregular
Other: Winter interest, deer resistant

American sycamore are very massive; all parts of the tree seeming to be large, from the branches, seeds, leaves, and trunk. Its giant maple-like leaves are a medium green throughout the growing season, and by autumn, fade to a yellow/brown. Gnarled seed ball clusters hang in pairs on the tree into early winter before falling. The most attractive thing about these trees is its brown exfoliating bark that seems to fall off like puzzle pieces to reveal white, creamy inner bark. If given a large spot in well-drained, moist soils in full sun, the sycamore will take off with little help.

Platanus occidentalis is an Iowa native.