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Platanus occidentalis

American Sycamore or Buttonwood

Plant photo of: Platanus occidentalis
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Connon Nursery, JJ Neilso

 

Description

This beautiful deciduous tree rapidly reaches 75'-90' tall and 60'-70' wide. It starts out with a pyramidal habit and changes to a broad round crown later. Leaves are simple, green and can be 6"-10" long. Foliage turns yellow brown in fall. Red flowers appear in the spring but are not significant. The bark exfoliatesand can be reddish brown or gray. The peeling bark reveals a white inner bark. This tree needs moist, fertile, well-draining soil with full sun. Plant in large space areas such as parks.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

60-100'

Flower Color

Red

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Brown, Grey, Red

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Loam

Soil Condition

Rich, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Water Garden, Wetlands, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Lawn

Special Uses

Shade Tree

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

An easy water-wise improvement in lawn areas is to change high output spray sprinkler nozzles to low-flow rotators.

You'll have less runoff and be less likely to apply more water than is needed.