American sycamore

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

75-100 ft. tall
75 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Requires stratification for germination.

Plant Planting Notes

Requires a large area to accommodate the rapid growth to a large specimen tree.

Plants/Diseases

Several insect pests and pathogens may infect the tree. Susceptible to wind damage.

Wildlife Benefits

Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, ovate, lobed (similar to maple) with dentate margins.

Flowers

Flowers are small and insignificant

Fruit

Achenes arranged in a showy, fuzzy ball.

Bark

Mottled bark looks like camouflage.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

River and streambanks, alluvial forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina

Subspecies

Platanus occidentalis var. occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis var. palmeri