American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis · Platanaceae (Plane-tree family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Broadly ovate to orbicular, palmately 3 to 5 lobed with shallow to moderately deep sinuses
Margin
Coarsely and sharply toothed or serrate with occasional minor lobes
Arrangement
Alternate on the zig-zagging twigs
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating from the base of the blade
Key Features
Exfoliating camouflage-like bark peeling away on upper trunk and branches, broad palmately lobed leaves with coarse teeth, and unique hollow petiole bases that cover the next year's buds
Description
The American Sycamore is a massive, majestic deciduous tree easily recognized by its distinctive mottled exfoliating bark that reveals creamy white, tan, and gray inner layers. It produces broad, maple-like leaves that provide dense shade, followed by dangling, spherical brown fruit balls known as buttonballs.
Habitat
Typically found along streambanks, river floodplains, wet bottomlands, and rich moist soils
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Maine westward to Nebraska and south to Texas and Florida