american sycamore
Platanus Occidentalis – American Sycamore Tree – American Planetree
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), also known as American planetree, western plane, or water beech, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States. Its distinctive mottled bark and wide-spreading crown make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Habitat and Distribution
Natural Range: American sycamore thrives in southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States.
Preferred Growing Conditions: It prefers moist soils near rivers, streams, and wetlands.
Companion Plants:
Tamarack (Larix laricina): Deciduous conifers that complement the evergreen sycamore.
Black Spruce (Picea mariana): Another conifer that shares similar growing conditions.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): Vibrant red berries provide a striking contrast against the sycamore’s green foliage.
Species Details
Height: Typically grows to 80 –130 feet high, occasionally reaching taller.
Width: Trunk diameter can be 5 – 10 feet in deep soils.
Light Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Fruit/Flower Type: Seed cones with slender, yellow-green scales ripening to brown.
Fall Color: Foliage remains green throughout the year.
Watering Requirements: Requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizer: Minimal needs; adapts well to nutrient-poor soils.
Pruning: Selective pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
Image: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5
Category: Trees – American sycamore near me – American planetree
