Sycamore Maple
Acer pseudoplatanus
Also listed as Acer abchasicum, Acer atropurpureum
Also known as Sycamore, False Planetree, Great Maple
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous, large deciduous tree with handsome palmate leaves that turn brilliant yellow and red in fall. It produces winged seeds (samaras) and tolerates urban conditions well.
Why grow it
Sycamore maple is a large, structurally sound shade tree suited to cooler temperate climates where native maples may not thrive as vigorously. It tolerates compacted urban soils and air pollution better than many native maple species, making it useful for challenging site conditions. Its rapid growth rate and substantial canopy provide relatively quick establishment compared to slower-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
This tree produces abundant self-seeding samaras that can establish seedlings in surrounding areas; regular removal of seed heads may be necessary if volunteer growth becomes problematic. Young trees may require staking and branch training to develop a strong central leader in windy sites. Expect moderate to heavy leaf drop in fall, which requires regular cleanup in managed landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Central Europe
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous, large deciduous tree with handsome palmate leaves that turn brilliant yellow and red in fall. It produces winged seeds (samaras) and tolerates urban conditions well.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sycamore Maple grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sycamore maple is a large, structurally sound shade tree suited to cooler temperate climates where native maples may not thrive as vigorously. It tolerates compacted urban soils and air pollution better than many native maple species, making it useful for challenging site conditions. Its rapid growth rate and substantial canopy provide relatively quick establishment compared to slower-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
This tree produces abundant self-seeding samaras that can establish seedlings in surrounding areas; regular removal of seed heads may be necessary if volunteer growth becomes problematic. Young trees may require staking and branch training to develop a strong central leader in windy sites. Expect moderate to heavy leaf drop in fall, which requires regular cleanup in managed landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
Central Europe
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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