Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore or Buttonwood
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:
Turn sprinklers on and view them operating at least once a month.
Check for and fix missing drip emitters, leaking sprinklers, valves, and pipes. One broken spray sprinkler can waste 100 gallons in a 10 minute watering cycle.