Platanus occidentalis
american sycamore, sycamore, buttonwood, plane-tree
Family
Platanaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
serrate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
reniform, ovate, palmate lobed, suborbicular
Growth Form
tree
Flower Color
brown, green
Flower Month
March - May
Height (meters)
50.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FACW
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Field Characters
Large lobed leaves and mottled smooth bark. Leaf petiole sits on top of lateral buds completely covering them up until leaf falls off.
Habitat
Low, moist woods, floodplains, rich bottomlands, along streams.
Plant Uses
Sycamore is used for lumber, veneer, ties, slack cooperage, fencing and interior parts of furniture. It is also used for flooring, handles, and butchers' blocks. It is used by the food industry for containers since it imparts no taste or color to the contents.