American Sycamore is one of the largest native hardwood trees in North America, often growing 75–100 feet tall. It is commonly found along rivers and floodplains.

The tree is easily recognized by its mottled bark, which peels to reveal patches of white, green, and tan. Its leaves are large with broad lobes (leaf divisions).

Sycamore produces round seed balls (clusters of seeds) that hang from the branches and persist into winter. In fall, the leaves turn yellow-brown. It is valued for its size, shade, and tolerance of wet conditions.

References

Platanus occidentalis (American Plane Tree, American Sycamore, Buttonwood, Eastern Sycamore, Sycamore) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/platanus-occidentalis/

Words by Ben Hansen.  Photos by Sarah Cote. 2026