American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Deciduous TreeAbout American Sycamore
American Sycamore is one of the largest deciduous trees in North America, often found along streams and rivers. It is easily recognized by its distinctive mottled bark that peels to reveal white, cream, and green inner bark. It grows rapidly and tolerates urban conditions well.
Quick Facts
How to Identify American Sycamore
- Distinctive exfoliating bark revealing white, cream, and olive patches
- Large, maple-like leaves with 3-5 shallow lobes
- Round, spiky seed balls hang on long stalks through winter
- Massive trunk, often the widest of any eastern hardwood
- Hollow older trunks are common
Care Guide
- Water regularly during the first few years of establishment
- Prune in late winter; this species can handle heavy pruning
- Watch for anthracnose in cool, wet springs (usually cosmetic only)
- Allow plenty of space as the canopy becomes very large
- Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce disease pressure
Known Issues (3)
Asian Longhorned Beetle
CRITICALA large wood-boring beetle that attacks hardwoods including maples, elms, willows, and birches. Native to China and Korea, it was first detected in New York in 1996. Infestations can kill trees within a few years.
Affecting 5 regions
Anthracnose
MODERATEA group of fungal diseases causing leaf spots, cankers, and shoot blight on many shade trees. Sycamore, dogwood, maple, and oak are commonly affected. Cool, wet spring weather promotes infection of newly expanding leaves.
Affecting 38 regions
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
HIGHA chronic bacterial disease that affects many shade tree species, particularly oaks, elms, sycamores, and maples. The bacterium is transmitted by xylem-feeding leafhoppers and spittlebugs and colonizes the water-conducting vessels, restricting water flow. Symptoms worsen each year as more of the canopy is affected. There is no cure.
Affecting 19 regions