American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Family: Platanaceae


Form: One of the tallest eastern species with heights ranging 60 -130 ft. and a 2 - 8 ft. dbh, upper part of bole exfoliates.

 

  

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: Ovate with 3 -5 lobes

Margin: toothed

Texture: Veins are pubescent

Venation: palmately veined

 

Bark: It's bark is gray-brown and scaly at base and peels extensively, revealing a mottled white to gray-brown upper trunk.

 

 
Twigs and buds: It has a zigzagging twig that is orange-brown in color. The bud is hidden within the petiole base.
Flowers and fruit: Flowers are not showy. The fruit is an aggregate of achenes arranges in the form of a small golf ball.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the exfoliating bark, toothed leaves with 3 lobes, and buds that are partially enclosed.

 

  

Range: Southwest Maine to eastern Nebraska, south to southeastern Georgia

 

  

Silvics: It is intolerant of shade and prefers to grow on stream bottoms and low slopes.

 

  

Ecological and cultural importance: Valuable timber species, used for furniture, pulpwood, particle, and fiberboard. Few species of birds and rodents eat the seeds. Also noted as a medium rated habitat for waterfowl.

 

  


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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