Platanus occidentalis
American sycamore

Notes:

Considered the most massive tree native to eastern North America.

Leafs out late but may hold leaves late as well. Contorted, "sculptural" branches. Pyramidal in youth, irregular and rounded/spreading with age. Dense shade, aggressive roots, and (apparently) grass-killing compounds in fallen leaves complicate underplanting.

Missouri BG stands alone in disapproving of street tree use due to size and litter, but they might have a point. Clay tolerance is debated (White Oak, NCSU, and Dove/Woolridge vs. JerseyYards.org and the USDA). Needs hot summers and does not thrive in Europe, as per Glyn Church in the Woody Plant series.

'Howard', if you can find it, has yellow new growth fading to green as the season progresses.

Sources: White Oak, Sunset, Dove/Woolridge, UFL, JerseyYards.org, Missouri BG, UConn, USDA.

Buy it at PlantingTree.com (affiliate link; supports this website)

Tags:

acidic soil preferred
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
branches strong
clay tolerant
coarse texture
compacted soil tolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
easy to grow
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fast-growing
form:tree
full sun preferred
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:irregular
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
litter:bark
litter:fruit
litter:leaves
litter:twigs/branches
long-lived
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease sensitive
pollution tolerant
pruning not required
resprouts notably
rich soil preferred
roots:high damage potential
salt intolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy bark
type:broadleaf
use:naturalizing
use:screen
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
wind tolerant
WON high-value plant


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