Platanus Species, American Sycamore, American Planetree, Buttonball Tree, Buttonwood
Platanus occidentalis
Family: | Platanaceae |
Genus: | Platanus (PLAT-an-us) (Info) |
Species: | occidentalis (ok-sih-den-TAY-liss) (Info) |
Category:
Trees
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Height:
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing:
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
From hardwood heel cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Scarify seed before sowing
By grafting
By budding
By simple layering
By air layering
By tip layering
By serpentine layering
By stooling or mound layering
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Atmore, Alabama
Gadsden, Alabama
Chino Valley, Arizona
Grand Junction, Colorado
Bartow, Florida
Belleview, Florida
Clearwater, Florida
Eustis, Florida
Hampton, Florida
Keystone Heights, Florida
Lake City, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Zephyrhills, Florida
Jasper, Georgia
Townsend, Georgia
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Glenview, Illinois
Marengo, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Urbana, Illinois
Indianapolis, Indiana
Elkader, Iowa
Kingman, Kansas
Benton, Kentucky
Clermont, Kentucky
Frankfort, Kentucky
Georgetown, Kentucky
Hebron, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Nicholasville, Kentucky
Paris, Kentucky
Versailles, Kentucky
Mount Airy, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Vacherie, Louisiana
Loreto, Marche
Brookeville, Maryland
Owings, Maryland
Valley Lee, Maryland
Halifax, Massachusetts
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Gobles, Michigan
Chaska, Minnesota
Circle Pines, Minnesota
South Saint Paul, Minnesota
Sturgis, Mississippi
Lincoln, Nebraska(2 reports)
Hawthorne, Nevada
Englewood, New Jersey
Frenchtown, New Jersey
New Vernon, New Jersey
Medford, New York
Oyster Bay, New York
Staten Island, New York
Dover, North Carolina
Cincinnati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Glouster, Ohio
Guysville, Ohio
Hilliard, Ohio
Lebanon, Ohio
Jay, Oklahoma
Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Thornton, Pennsylvania
Conway, South Carolina
Knoxville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Angleton, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Austin, Texas(2 reports)
Bedford, Texas
Center, Texas
Hempstead, Texas
Liberty Hill, Texas
Medina, Texas
San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)
Chesapeake, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Liberty, West Virginia
Rosedale, West Virginia
Cambridge, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
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Neutral | On Sep 11, 2019, RandyAllen from White House, TN wrote: I’ve studied this species since 1960ish, in middle TN. Collected crossections from numerous fallen trees. I have planted many, and kept growth records. I’ve never found a giant sycamore over 80 years old, proven by growth rings. The Tennessee largest record holder in Shelby Park in the mid-1990’s was only 35 years old (you can read my story about it on my website). I have recorded growth rates of 8 feet in early years, but 3 to 5 feet is more common it’s first 20 years. My current sycamore is 15 years old, 65 feet tall, 20 inches dbh, and has never been watered or pampered in any way. I could share so much, but not enough space here. smile. I posted two pix of my most recent sycamore. Randy Allen of http:/... read more |
Positive | On Mar 24, 2018, Chaz111 from Rockford, IL wrote: I collected seeds of an American Sycamore two years ago and grew them in my house under a plant light and plant heating pad. Once this tree started growing it never stopped. I am excited to see it's new growth this year. My wife calls this tree a spirit tree because of it's beautiful white bark as it shines in the sunlight. This American beauty is self pruning, grows fast and lives a long life... |
Positive | On Oct 24, 2017, Timberplot from Blairsville, PA wrote: The Sycamore tree is a fast growing, large tree here in the east. The tree is not recommended for planting near sidewalks, driveways or smaller yards. Give this tree a lot of room in more open areas as it does really well along streams and wetland sites. What I really like about this tree is it's ability to develop cavities and still maintain it's strength. In my area, the Sycamore and the Catalpa trees provide cavities for many animal and bird species to den in and take refuge while at the same time remaining structurally sound for years in a hollowed condition. I have walked into Sycamore cavities at ground level and was able to look up into the hollowed tree for 20 feet or more. In the last few years, a lot of volunteer seedlings have been sprouting around my farm. I have relocated seve... read more |
Negative | On Sep 28, 2015, hikerpat from Knoxville, TN wrote: I live in Knoxville TN. My backyard is completely open to the SW winds that funnel most of the leaves from the 5 Sycamores that are located on a nearby school property, onto my property. The leaves defy composting, blowing,raking, corralling in any way. Any that you may miss, when cleaning out your planting beds, you will find years later. One year, one of my backyard hedges was completely covered by these leaves and, the leaves were piled 10' out from the hedge. If you want to be a problem to your neighbors downwind of your property, plant these horrible trees. Otherwise, respect everyone and get rid of them or, better yet, never plant them. |
Positive | On Sep 28, 2015, suwannee from Lake City, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: The previous owner of my house must have loved sycamores as there were five in the yard. One didn't thrive for unknown reasons and I cut it down. |
Positive | On Sep 28, 2015, Craig_R_Jackson from Cypress, TX wrote: If you intend to plant a sycamore, possibly consider its relative from south of the border, Platanus mexicanus which is not as susceptible to powdery mildew. It also has beautiful silvery color on the abaxial surface of the leaf. |
Positive | On Sep 28, 2015, Captleemo from Angleton, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I bought a house in 1998 that didn't have any trees. I tried planting a couple of oak trees but they died. My girlfriend gave me a small seedling from one of her Sycamores and I planted it but thought it would go the way of the oak trees. Boy was I wrong! It took to the soil like me to a hot pancake. About a year later she gave me another one that I planted in the back yard and now I have two beautiful trees that completely changed the look of my property for the better. I planted them around 2003 and 2005 and they both are over 25 feet tall. They are the bain of the neighborhood though in the fall when the enormous leaves start to fall. You can expect 5 to 7 feet of growth per year at least that's how fast mine have grown here south of Houston TX. I really like mine. |
Positive | On Aug 11, 2015, Rickwebb from Downingtown, PA wrote: This grows to be a large shade tree and is best used in large yards or parks. It is also a common tree of open woods, wetlands, and long watercourses; native from southern New England to eastern Nebraska to east Texas to northern Florida. It is fast growing of about 2.5 to 3.5 feet/year and lives about 250 to 350 years. It is tolerant of urban conditions of heat, drought, and pollution where it is often used as a street tree, even though it is messy with falling twigs, pieces of bark, and round dry buttonball fruit (borne singly). It often losses most of the first crop of leaves to anthracnose fungus from cool, wet spring conditions and its foliage is browned by Sycamore Lacebug in late summer. No autumn color but beautiful bark. The University of Illinois has planted lots of this species ... read more |
Neutral | On May 11, 2014, villandra from Austin, TX wrote: If sycamore trees are self pruning and always drop branches before they can die and then the dead branches just sit there, I'd suggest collecting seeds from the one at Georgian and Fawnridge in North Austin. 9103 Fawnridge comes up when you click on the house in Google Maps. In street view the tree comes up. Now Google must have visited in fall, because at the moment the tree has healthy bright green leaves on all the living branches. |
Negative | On Apr 7, 2014, jungle_of_palms from Clearwater, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: Pros: |
Negative | On Nov 18, 2011, victorengel from Austin, TX wrote: Contrary to the previous comment about branches, although I don't typically see dead branches on trees, I've seen way too many incidents of living branches breaking off trees. These are sometimes very large and potentially very damaging when they fall. This seems to be an issue here in Austin at least, more than any other tree I've seen. Other trees will drop dead branches. This one drops live branches. Yikes. |
Positive | On Nov 15, 2010, Gardeningman from Kingman, KS (Zone 6b) wrote: I love the American Sycamore tree. It is a very, very good tree. The reason why it drops twigs, is because it is self pruning. You never see a dead branch in a Sycamore tree, which is one of the reasons why it looks so beautiful. I often see dead branches in elms, maples, and oaks. Their dead branches persist and usually need to be mechanically removed. |
Positive | On Sep 16, 2010, ktdid2840 from Glenview, IL wrote: Zone 5 encourages late leaf-out for the Sycamore. It is the perfect tree to under plant with early spring bulbs and plants. The red peonies passed down to me from my mother have thrived under the sycamore tree for twenty years even though they are in deep shade for most of the summer! The red tulips nestled among the hosta, forsythia and kerria are also gorgeous in the spring under the tree. Closer to the drip line I planted a rhododendron five years ago. It gets bigger and more beautiful each year. This tree is a beauty and worth the trouble of picking up a few twigs! |
Positive | On Sep 14, 2010, bobsgirl from Lincoln, NE (Zone 5b) wrote: I have a 40 yr. old Sycamore in my front yard. I love it. It is a beautiful tree, the bark is so unique and pretty. The twigs that fall are always interesting, they have much different characteristics than most tree branches. I will admit that it can be messy, but what tree isn't? It really doesn't take very long to go out and pick up after it. I think the leaves are cool too. I have always loved the scent Sycamores have, especially in the spring and summer after it rains. |
Neutral | On Sep 14, 2010, Clary from Lewisburg, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: There are many sycamores in the Pennsylvania river valley where I live. The best planted specimens are in large open spaces such as cemeteries and campuses. |
Positive | On Sep 13, 2010, cfbloom from Marengo, IL wrote: All the complaints about the sycamore may be true, but they can also be positive. |
Neutral | On Sep 13, 2010, katpages from Thornton, PA wrote: We have 3 beautiful Sycamores along the front of our cottage that are about 90 years old. From personal experience, I would NEVER intentinally plant them, but they are ours, so we enjoy their beauty and make the best of them...the twigs and branches that fall frequently make great kindling...I have also bulit an attractive stick wall curving around my large bed of vinca surrounding one of them. We gather their bark and use it for pathways and mulch. Like someone mentioned, they are the last trees to get their leaves in the Spring and the first ones to lose them in the fall. Some of them are as big as as a foot across. The balls make a dirty and irritating dust. We are constantly cleaning off our car. These trees are for large properties away from garden beds. If it weren't for their beauty... read more |
Positive | On Sep 13, 2010, roses39 from Center, TX wrote: if you are intrested in this tree, ignore the negative comments. My place is inherited from family . there was a huge Sycamore about 100 years in age in the front area. At 100 years they tend to die. In the interval tho, they are awesome, and a joy. The fresh late sprinf foliage against the darker earlier foliage is wonderful. The sheets of shed bark made wonderful plates and platters for my playhouse as a child and the seed balls were wonderful amo in the fall for when all the kids came in for holidays. It is a majestic tree. Mama had me rake the fall leaf for putting on top of the sweet potato cover and for putting over tender bulb areas. Iby spring they were a lacy remnant of last summer. ALL trees that drop their leaf cover in the fall can be a mess for those who just cannot tolerat... read more |
Negative | On Sep 13, 2010, alzone7 from Gadsden, AL wrote: This is a beautiful tree -- way down at the edge of some woods, but NOT in a yard. All summer and fall it drops lots of big curly leaves that blow into the neighbor's yards and just lie there for weeks if no one cleans them up. It's also very weak wood because of the rapid growth, and big limbs will break off, not to mention lots of sticks that fall all the time. A local nursery owner talked us into planting one in our front yard years ago and I still haven't forgiven him. ;-) After years of cleaning up the mess from our yard and the neighbors', we finally shelled out the money to have it cut down and planted a nice willow oak that has served us much better. |
Negative | On Sep 13, 2010, Laura07631 from Englewood, NJ (Zone 6b) wrote: The Sycamore is considered a hardy city tree and is planted all over the streets of New York City. It is indeed messy but what I dislike most about it is that it is the last to leaf out in the spring and then starts turning brown and dropping leaves in late summer/early fall. Since trees are supposed to add beauty (and air filtering) to city streets, why choose one with such a short green season? |
Positive | On Sep 13, 2010, localyokel from Belleview, FL wrote: Growing up we had a sycamore in the front yard in NE Ohio and now living in central Florida I have a very very tall one in my side yard. I knew going in that it was considered a messy tree. Yes, it sheds bark and yes, it drops a lot of leaves...But - during the summer it's tall large canopy of leaves keeps the house and porch lovely and cool. It makes it all worthwhile! |
Neutral | On Sep 13, 2010, oldleander from Huntingdon, PA wrote: A beautiful tree, but the roots will wreck havoc with sidewalks and lawns! |
Negative | On Feb 29, 2008, mrs_colla from Marin, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: Where we live this tree drops huge leaves all year round, except in winter when it is bare. It never looks fresh and healthy. |
Positive | On Nov 18, 2006, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: I didn't know that American Sycamore were hardy to zone 4 at all - every book say it is zone 5 even though a few hints at they were once native to far southeast part of Minnesota until my Woody Landscape Class and my teacher took the class to a house near the St. Paul Campus and there was one huge tree growing just fine and my jaw dropped. They are very commonly planted in zone 5 and 6. |
Neutral | On May 28, 2006, Idiopath from Austin, TX wrote: The house I bought last year came with a large sycamore in the front yard, likely 50+ years old. It's a great shade tree, and I'm sure it helps to keep my house and yard a bit cooler, but it's been shedding sheets of bark all over the place. |
Negative | On Feb 1, 2006, raisedbedbob from Walkerton, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: I tried planting two Sycamores with no success. Each summer they became infected with Powdery Mildew. While not a fatal fungus infection, it sure made the leaves look awful. I finally got tired of wasting money on fungicides and I removed them from the landscape. |
Positive | On Aug 5, 2005, rochha from Owings, MD wrote: This tree does have a sweet smelling scent especially on hot sunny humid days, smells sort of like sweet human sweat. I only noticed it when I started to grow some seedlings, Then I smelled their leaves and noticed it, It is not a strong smell but it is there, if you are near a Sycamore see if you can smell it. get downwind of the tree. Also it's seedlings leaves do not have that classic Maple leaf shape, I noticed I have never seen a Sycamore tree smaller than 5 feet, so I grew some seedlings to see why, it's cause they look totally different than the adult. Their are more fan shaped. |
Neutral | On Apr 2, 2005, escambiaguy from Atmore, AL (Zone 8b) wrote: These are very large stately trees. Because of their extensive root system, they are very windfirm. However it's a shame they have a problem with anthracnose. It kills off new growth in the spring which creates a "witch's broom" of new growth afterwards and makes the tree look sort of deformed. |
Neutral | On Jan 22, 2005, kayaker from Milton, VT (Zone 4a) wrote: A bit of caution to those who wish to collect seeds from the seed balls: |
Positive | On Dec 22, 2004, TREEHUGR from Now in Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: The mighty sycamore as I call it, is a FL native to mostly the upper left hand side of the state but they are growing successfully much farther south. I have seen them as far as palm beach county and I have seen them growing in what looks like pure sand along the river in brevard county. Older sycamores have been found with hollow trunks. (think Winnie The Pooh's home) If you're looking for fast shade, plant a mighty sycamore. Although they have a reputation for not being such great trees in storms, all the sycamores in my area survived the recent hurricanes with flying colors. |
Positive | On May 30, 2004, rjyellow from Circle Pines, MN wrote: I have found almost 300 sycamores growing in the St. Paul / Minneapolis Minnesota area. The winter hardiness of sycamores in this area of the country is questionable. Yet, a large portion of these 300 trees, have to be 40 to 50 years old. I have tried over and over to find these trees in the area nurseries for purchase, but with no luck. I can only wonder where these sycamores came from that are now growing so magnificently in Minnesota. |
Neutral | On Apr 16, 2004, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote: These trees can grow to great size in my area. most are found in the wild along creek and river banks. Most folk hesitate to plant them in their yards because of the large leaves, seed balls and shedding bark that has to be cleaned up. |
Positive | On Feb 8, 2004, Monocromatico from Rio de Janeiro, I saw American Sycamores in Caxambu, a rather cold town north of here, planted along the margins of a river in the city park. These were planted in the middle of 19th century, and didn´t grow very much since then. The white trunk and foliage were gorgeous. |
Neutral | On Feb 8, 2004, dogbane from New Orleans, LA (Zone 9a) wrote: This tree is sometimes used along streets because of its ability to withstand, and even thrive in, harsh environments. The only drawback I see is the huge number of large leaves it drops in the Fall. I don't mind the clean up, but others do. The one on my block is in front of my neighbor's house and it takes the two of us to keep up with the leaves. Small branches and twigs are brittle and fall ofen in even moderate winds. |
Positive | On Feb 8, 2004, htop from San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: San Antonio, Tx.) |
Neutral | On Sep 7, 2003, Glowclubbr from Silver Spring, MD wrote: One tree I planted in Kingsville, Ontario in a low lying area with sandy loam soil grew 30' in 5 years. However on dry sites with heavy turf competition, it can also grow slowly. Do not use this tree on dry sites unless your don't mind summer leaf drop. Trees in the long gone old growth forest grew 170' tall, up to 15' in diameter, and lived 500 years. |
Neutral | On Sep 2, 2001, mystic from Ewing, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: This fast growing,deciduous tree can reach the height 80 feet and 60 feet wide under urban conditions,but much larger in the wild.The flowers are monoecious,with separate male and female flowers that are deep red and bloom in late March.The fruit is rounded,fuzzy looking, tannish brown and are 1 inch in diameter.The trunk and upper branches are impressively mottled where thin,irregular patches of brown bark that falls away to reveal the white inner bark.Prefers moist,deep,rich soils in full sun,but is very adaptable to a wide variety of soils,including dry soils,wet soils, compacted soils,poor soils.This makes an excellent shade tree in a large area,as a child I spent many an afternoon playing in the shade of the one we had. |