Common Name: American sycamore; planetree
Scientific Name:
Family: Platanaceae
Genus: Platanus
Species: occidentalis L.
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 40 to 100 ft
Width: 40 to 70 ft
Common Characteristics:
Twigs are zig zagged, orangish-brown, and only have lateral buds. Its leaves are large and contain 3 - 5 lobes. The trunk can reach up to 10 feet in diameter and has peeling bark that reveals patches of white and gray. This a fast growing tree that is important for bird habitat. Its fruit is a brown burr-like ball made up of many seed-like fruits called achenes. Both male and female flowers are produced on the same tree.