American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis
Platanaceae
Platanus occidentalis leaf CEH
Platanus occidentalis form1 JB
Platanus occidentalis bark CEH
Platanus occidentalis leaves fruit
Unique bark with patches of white, green, and brown. Grows naturally on alluvial soils and bottomlands. Easily confused with London Planetree, a European species which is frequently cultivated and planted. Use caution when purchasing.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Good
Wildlife Benefits
Winter food source for songbirds; cavity nesting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
42
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Large (75-100 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Anthracnose
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Occasional
  • Oak Mixed: Occasional
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Occasional
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Green
Red
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant to Salt in Soil: Tree will not become stressed when salt is present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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