Eastern Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Platanaceae

Growth Habit

Tree

Biocultural Value

The Cherokee prescribed decoctions and infusions of American sycamore as a purgative, antidiarrheal, emetic, cathartic, cold remedy, and pulmonary aid. The wood was used for lumber and carving.

Wildlife Value

A wide variety of insects feed on American sycamore, including caterpillars of the sycamore tussock moth (Halisidota harrisii), wood-boring larvae of the sycamore heart borer (Chalcophorella campestris), the sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata), and several leafhoppers (Erythroneura spp.). Some songbirds, particularly the purple finch, eat the seeds in winter. Cavities in mature trees provide nesting sites for owls and other birds, dens for small mammals, and, occaisionally, homes for black bears.

Location

Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Fall Creek Gorge, Mundy Wildflower Garden

Cultivation

A massive (75-100' tall) tree with attractive mottled bark, broad leaves, and fuzzy, spherical fruit clusters.

Light: full sun (tolerates light shade)

Moisture and Soil: prefers rich, humusy, consistently moist soils. Typically flound in lowland areas along streams, rivers and floodplains.

Description

Plants 75-100' tall with a similar or greater spread; can grow to 150'. Coarse-textured. Bark mostly smooth, very light grayish-brown, flaking off in large, irregular thin pieces and exposing the grayish tocream-colored inner bark, which gradually becomes whitish and produces the impressive mottled appearance.

Source of plant

Princeton Nurseries, Bill Schneider

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

bark, fruiting characteristics, notable texture