Platanus occidentalis

Common Names:

• American Sycamore
• Buttonwood
• Buttonball Tree

Phonetic Spelling:

PLAT-an-us ok-si-den-TAL-is

Description:

• Appearance: The American Sycamore is a large deciduous tree known for its massive size and distinctive mottled bark, which peels away to reveal a patchwork of white, gray, and green. The tree has broad, maple-like leaves and can reach heights of up to 100 feet.
• Leaves: The leaves are large, broad, and lobed, resembling those of a maple. They turn yellow in the fall.
• Flowers: The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, which are wind-pollinated.
• Fruits: The fruit is a round, spiky ball (known as a buttonball) that hangs from the branches and disperses seeds in the wind.

Distribution/Location:

• Geographic Range: Native to the eastern United States, from the Great Plains to the East Coast.
• Commonly found along rivers, streams, and in lowland areas with moist, rich soil.

Environmental Benefits:

• Erosion Control: The extensive root system of the Sycamore tree helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion along riverbanks and floodplains.
• Biodiversity Support: The tree provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects.
• Carbon Sequestration: As a large, fast-growing tree, the American Sycamore plays a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Fun Fact:

Did you know?: The American Sycamore was highly valued by Native American tribes for its wood, which was used to make dugout canoes due to its strength and buoyancy.