American sycamore is native to the eastern North America.
Identification: Trees reach 98-131′ (30-40 m) and up to
6½′ (2 m) in diameter. Bark is mottled,
with large irregular chunks like puzzle pieces that flake off, revealing differently colored bark beneath.
Bark colors include tan, light gray, white, cream, and olive green.
The unusual appearance of the bark is a prominent identifying feature. Leaves are 4-9″ (10-22 cm)
in size, somewhat resembling maple leaves, with 3-5 lobes. Male (staminate) flowers are dark red, while
female (pistillate)
flowers are light green tinged with red. Both are ball-shaped, becoming brown balls of fruit about 1″ (2.5 cm)
around, hanging on stems up to 3″ (7.6 cm) long, usually remaining through the winter. The balls
are bumpy; each bump is a seed and parachute.
66-115′ (20-35 m) high, with a broad crown, oval to rounded in shape.
98-131′ (30-40 m) high, up to 6½′ (2 m) in diameter.
Flowers
Yellowish green, in May.
Male flowers are dark red, while female flowers are light green tinged with red. Both are ball-shaped.
Leaves
Five-lobed, with serrated edges, 4-10″ (10-25 cm) in size.
4-9″ (10-22 cm) in size, somewhat resembling maple leaves, with 3-5 lobes.
Stem
Depending on age, may be smooth and gray or covered with large peeling scales that reveal several colors of inner bark.
Bark is mottled, with large irregular chunks like puzzle pieces that flake off, revealing differently colored bark beneath. Bark colors include tan, light gray, white, cream, and olive green.
Seeds
Samaras are 1¼-2″ (3.2-5 cm).
Fruit
Bumpy brown balls about 1″ (2.5 cm) around, on stems up to 3″ (7.6 cm) long. Bumps separate into airborne seeds after drying.