American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
NativeLow AvailabilityFull sunZones 4a - 9bMedium Resilience/AdaptationMedium to wet Water
Quick stats
Mature height75 - 100 feet
Canopy spread50 - 70 feet
MaintenanceHigh
Bloom DescriptionNot showy
Flowersnot showy
About this Tree
Standing as the largest native broadleaf tree in eastern North America, the American Sycamore is famous for its ghostly, camouflage bark that peels away to reveal gleaming white branches against the winter sky. Historically, its massive, naturally hollowed trunks were large enough to be used by Native Americans and early settlers for temporary shelters or grain storage. It requires a large yard to accommodate its grand scale, where it will reward homeowners with rapid growth, enormous summer leaves, and a truly iconic winter silhouette.
Planting specifications
Scientific name Platanus occidentalis
FamilyPlatanaceae
Mature height75 - 100 feet
Canopy spread50 - 70 feet
Native RangeEastern U.S.
Sun exposureFull sun
AttractsBirds, Songbirds (Seed Balls, Esp. Finches), Wildlife (Cover)
Water needsMedium to wet
USDA zones4a - 9b
Wildlife valueMedium
See a tree in your space
Available on supported mobile devices. Click . Model shown is representative and may differ from the selected species.
Common nameAmerican Sycamore
Scientific name Platanus occidentalis
FamilyPlatanaceae
Mature height75 - 100 feet
Canopy spread50 - 70 feet
Sun exposureFull sun
Water needsMedium to wet
USDA zones4a - 9b
Wildlife valueMedium
AttractsBirds, Songbirds (Seed Balls, Esp. Finches), Wildlife (Cover)
BloomNot showy
Bloom TimeApril
Carbon/Air QualityHigh
Flowersnot showy
AvailabilityLow
Hydroloby/StormwaterHigh
LeavesDeciduous
MaintenaceHigh
Native RangeEastern U.S.
Native StatusNative
Ecological ValueHigh
Parking Lot TreeYes
Street TreeNo
Resilience/AdaptationMedium
Pollinator ValueMedium
ToleratesUrban Conditions, Wet Soil
Suggested useShade Tree
Columbia County AvailabilityPoor
Augusta-Richmond AvailabilityMedium
