Facts About the Sycamore Tree: Description, Growth, and Uses

Overview

The sycamore is a tall, majestic tree with some of North America's largest leaves. Found in wet areas like riverbanks. Characteristic whitish-gray bark peels naturally. Less used in landscaping now due to excessive leaf litter.

Description

Leaves very large—up to 12 inches across (4–8 inches common). 3–5 slight toothed lobes. Bright green summer, yellow fall. Spring flowers: red, tiny, inconspicuous. Fruit: hard, green, lumpy, 1-inch ball on 2–3 inch stem. Bark mottled light gray with cinnamon, darker gray, whitish patches.

Growth Habits

Best in zones 4b–9a. Fast-growing—2+ feet/season. Young trees grow up, then spread. Little corrective pruning needed. Twigs zigzag/interweave for balanced canopy. Surface roots may lift sidewalks, threaten foundations if planted too close.

Form

90 feet tall, spreading nearly as wide. Pyramidal when young, spreading with maturity. Primary central leader with several large limbs forming body. Fairly dense canopy.

Culture

Full sun. Tolerates clay, loam, sand; acidic and alkaline. Prefers wet, well-draining; handles flooding. Fairly drought-tolerant; salt-tolerant—good for urban areas. Transplants well; propagated from cuttings.

Uses

Street/thoroughfare lining in urban areas. Residential/park shade and landscape. Wood: heavy, tough, coarsely grained, difficult to work. Butcher blocks, inexpensive furniture, crates.