One of the largest deciduous trees in the eastern US — record specimens have trunk diameters over 12 feet. Their distinctive mottled white-and-gray bark and oversized leaves are unmistakable.

Also called: American Planetree, Buttonwood, Buttonball Tree

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 23–35 m (75–115 ft); trunk diameter 1.2–2.4 m; one of the largest eastern US trees
WeightN/A
Lifespan250–600 years; some over 700
OrderProteales
FamilyPlatanaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Platanus occidentalis, also known as American sycamore, American planetree, western plane, occidental plane, buttonwood, and water beech, is a species of Platanus native to the eastern and central United States, the mountains of northeastern Mexico, extreme southern Ontario, and extreme southern Quebec. It is usually called sycamore in North America, a name which can refer to other types of trees in other parts of the world; in the United Kingdom, for example, the name sycamore typically refers to Acer pseudoplatanus. The American sycamore is a long-lived species, typically surviving at least 200 years and likely as long as 500–600 years. It is capable of becoming a massive tree, with a wide girth and heights reaching up to 24 m (80 ft) or more.

Source: Wikipedia — Platanus occidentalis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall tree with broad open canopy; mottled white, gray, cream, and brown bark in irregular jigsaw patches; large maple-like leaves (10–22 cm); spherical fruit clusters (1–3 per stalk) persistent into winter.

Similar species. London Plane Tree (hybrid; multiple fruit balls per stalk; common urban planting). California Sycamore (Pacific range). Trees with similar bark (birch, beech) lack the maple-like leaves.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Massive bottomland tree of river floodplains. Bark exfoliates in irregular plates revealing white-cream-green inner bark — distinctive at distance. Old-growth specimens can develop hollow trunks large enough for multiple people to stand inside; historical accounts mention sycamores used as cabins, shelters, and even temporary prisons by colonial-era frontier travelers.

§ Range

Eastern US and Canada, into Mexico

§ Habitat

River bottoms, floodplains, valley bottoms with deep moist soils

§ Threats

Anthracnose disease, soil compaction near urban trees, root damage from sidewalk repair.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american sycamore is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain natural floodplain. Plant native sycamore (NOT London plane tree, a hybrid). Avoid soil compaction in dripline.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Morton Arboretum
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • IUCN Red List 2018