SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platanus occidentalis

COMMON NAME: sycamore, American planetree

LEAVES: Coarsely serrate with 3 lobes. Very big and coarse up to 10" in length. Pubescent on veins under leaf. Petiole swollen at the base to conceal the axillary bud. Leaves are large and difficult to rake and decay resistant.

FRUIT: Round ball that is messy. 1" in diameter. Achene. Hangs from a 4" to 5" stalk (peduncle).

GROWTH RATE: Exceeds 3'/yr.

BARK: Exfoliating then white.

OTHER: 100' to 120' tall and fast growing. Native to low moist sites. Can get anthracnose (Fungus disease that causes the leaves and twigs to die back). This disease is such a serious problem. People are advised not to use this tree as a monoculture (exclusively) in any landscape situation. The first symptoms of the disease are necrotic areas that run along the veins of the leaf. These areas spread until the whole leaf is killed. Dead leaves generally hang on the tree. This disease causes the tree to be stunted and to look unthrifty. Leaves do not degrade very fast. Fibrous rooted. Tolerates high/dry sites. Fruit is an achene (looks like a ball). A member of the Plantanaceae family. This is a species under siege.