American Sycamore Tree

One of the largest trees available, the American Sycamore Tree (Platanus occidentalis) is one of the largest and oldest North American native trees. Its exceptionally rapid growth and immense size make it an excellent choice as a central focal point in your yard or perhaps as a border tree. It's tolerant of air pollution, so this tree would even thrive on a city lot.

Sycamores can be massive, their trunks have the largest diameter of any American deciduous hardwood, in some cases growing over 10 feet! The white bark of the Sycamore tends to peel off in places, creating a unique mottled look that is sure to draw attention to your yard in any season.

Native Americans used Sycamores for many medicinal purposes, and the seed balls are prized by crafters today. The Sycamore decorates itself for winter with 1-inch brown spiky balls hanging from 3-6-inch thread-like stems. These seed balls will appear all over your tree. In the spring they will fall to the ground, ready to be made into holiday ornaments, wreaths, bird food, or whatever your imagination can create!

How to Use American Sycamore in the Landscape

This spectacular native tree's symmetrical canopy will provide you with a cool spot to sit through those hot summer days in a fraction of the time other shade trees require. Of course, you'll love this appealing tree in summertime, but this special tree is also fabulous in wintertime!

Its exceptionally rapid growth and immense size make it an excellent choice as a central focal point in your yard! While young, limb up the lower branches to raise the canopy high enough to walk underneath. You can also allow them to remain on the tree for additional screening.

This large tree is perhaps best used in wide open areas, so give it room to spread to its full size without being cramped. In a short time, it will become a gorgeous specimen for you!

Also known as Planetrees, Sycamore is a great feature tree for use in a Rain Garden because it can grow in periodically moist soil, so leverage this perk to help filter runoff before it flows into storm drains.

Outstanding in urban conditions and air pollution, the Sycamore is a dramatic street tree and front yard lawn specimen in urban areas!

Sycamore makes a memorable shade tree when planted on the south or southwest portion of your yard to reduce your energy bills and improve the quality of your life outdoors. Give this tree the room it needs and situate your Sycamore correctly. Do your future self a favor, and plant it at least 30 feet from paved concrete or your home's foundation.

• Immense Size & Symmetrical Spread
• Large Distinct Leaves
• Decorative Seed Pods For Crafts & Bird Food
• Peeling Bark & Winter Interest
• Thrives in Urban Conditions & Air Pollution
• Fantastic Shade & Specimen Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant your mighty Sycamore in full sun, with rich, well-drained conditions. Once established, it will adapt to a very wide array of soil types, and Sycamores can tolerate clay and periodically wet soils. It can grow in areas with high levels of environmental salt, alkaline soil, smog, and pollution.

Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis, especially for young trees during their first year in the ground. A 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch provides insulation, keeps soil moisture consistent, and helps with cleaning up the seed balls that drop.

Prune in late winter to correct shape. Many people consider them self-pruning as you will rarely see the unsightly dead branches common to the canopies of other landscape trees. The unneeded wood from your Sycamore will even make excellent mulch for your flower beds.

Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release organic formula; follow the label instructions for application rates.

• Full Sun
• Well-Drained Soil
• Can Be Used in Low-Lying Areas With Moist Soil
• Prune Late Winter
• Tolerates Urban Conditions
• Widely Adaptable, Heat Tolerant & Cold Hardy

With an expected age of 250 years or more, planting a Sycamore is like leaving a legacy for the generations to come. Order an American Sycamore for your yard today from NatureHills.com!

Sycamore Tree FAQ

How big do American Sycamore trees get?

Sycamores are native trees and have a variable height of 70 - 100 feet and spread that can be between 60 - 80 feet wide.

How fast do American Sycamore Trees grow?

Young Sycamores can grow moderately fast and continue to add about 2 feet per year.

Why order plants and trees from Nature Hills Nursery?

Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality trees, bushes, and plants directly to your door. Our inventory includes several varieties of x for you to choose from! Click the photos to learn more about specific instructions or call our plant experts at (402) 934-8116 for personalized assistance.

Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills. We guarantee our plants for their first year and have lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!