Belonging to the genus, Planatus, which includes seven species of trees, 3 of which can be found growing in the United States.

Leaves

Alternate simple broad leaf 9-15cm. Leaves are palmately lobed having three to five shallow indents or notches and marginal teeth. It has palmate venation and has a shape similar to a Maple.

Fruit

The fruit of the sycamore is a woody ball that ripens in the fall. Since sycamores have both male and female flowers, every tree has fruits on it. In the winter the woody ball finally breaks up into hundreds of small seeds, with tufts of brown hairs, which get scattered by the wind. A few species of birds feed on the seeds. (I have gilded some of these interesting looking seed balls, and use them as Christmas tree ornaments)

Bark

Younger sycamore trees have mottled brown bark peeling to expose the white under bark. Older trees have dark brown trunks with deeply furrowed ridges. The reason a young sycamore peels is because the bark of the tree is unable to stretch as the tree grows, so it cracks, leaving white patches.

Habitat

The deciduous sycamore is fast growing and sun-loving, growing seventy feet in seventeen years on a good site. Very often it divides into two or more trunks near the ground and its massive branches form a wide-spreading, irregular crown. Mature trees usually develop hollow portions and areas of decay making then vulnerable to wind and ice.

Uses

The wood of a sycamore tree is very strong and is used to make furniture, butcher blocks, and interior finishing. Sycamores know for the great size and are often planted for the shade that they provide. They are mostly planted in parks, large-scale landscaping, or naturalized planting along streams.

Notes

Susceptible to Anthracnose. Tends to drop twigs easily so clean-up can be a hassle.