Sycamore Maple

(Acer pseudoplatanus)

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as Sycamore Maple, is a deciduous tree typically found in broadleaf woodlands and on forest edges across Europe, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. It can reach a height of about 35 meters (115 feet) with a broad, rounded crown that provides significant shade. The bark is grey and smooth in youth, becoming flaky with age. The greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring, hanging in panicles, and are highly attractive to insects. The winged seeds, or samaras, are notable for their helicopter-like descent when they fall. Sycamore Maple is valued for its hard-wearing, creamy-white timber used in fine woodworking.

The Sycamore Maple is appreciated for its adaptability to a range of urban conditions, including wind, pollution, and salt spray, making it suitable for city planting, roadside greening, and coastal areas. It also thrives in parks and large gardens for its shade and ornamental value. The tree’s ability to withstand low summer temperatures is an added benefit. Cultivation requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. However, it can be invasive outside its native range and may suffer from leaf spot diseases and the sycamore lace bug.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Trees
  • Height: 40-60 feet
  • Width: 40-60 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Broadleaf woodlands and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Sycamore , Scottish Maple , Great Maple , False Planetree , Ahorn , Bergahorn , Berg-Ahorn , Vuorivaahtera , Érable Sycomore , Acero Montano

Scientific Names: Acer pseudoplatanus , Acer atropurpureum , Acer pseudoplatanus f. purpurascens , Acer pseudoplatanus f. purpureum , Acer dittrichii , Acer pseudoplatanus var. purpurascens , Acer pseudoplatanus f. aureovariegatum , Acer pseudoplatanus f. variegatum , Acer pseudoplatanus var. purpureum , Acer pseudoplatanus f. leopoldii

GBIF Accepted Name: Acer pseudoplatanus L.