Sycamore Tree
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Height: 60-100 ft
Width: 100 ft
Growing rate: Fast (growing 24 inches a year)
Leaf color: Pale green leaves that turn yellow/brown in the fall
Attributes
Sycamores are considered one of the largest and fastest-growing shade trees in North America. The bark on this tree has a distinct camouflage look due to the brown bark peeling in the summer to reveal white bark. This tree is tolerant to atmospheric pollution. The lifespan of a sycamore ranges from 50 to 200 years
How to care for a successful tree
Sycamores prefer full sun or over 6 hours of sun per day. When planting, this tree does better in deep, moist soil. Once established, sycamores can withstand droughts but need to be watered frequently when first planted.
Fun Facts
While not the tallest trees, sycamores are considered to be the largest in all of Ohio (and some say North America) because of their circumference.
Fastest-growing shade tree in North America
As sycamores are tolerant to atmospheric pollution, it makes the tree highly adaptable to urban environments
Wildlife
This tree is a host plant for over 42 species of moths and butterflies. They are also an important nesting site for barred owls! Other birds that use this tree are the American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, Carolina chickadee, and purple finch.