Sycamore Maple (also known as Great Maple or Scottish Maple)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer pseudoplatanus · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Acer pseudoplatanus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes and cordate base
Size
Approximately 4-8 inches long and wide, typical of mature leaves for this species
Margin
Coarsely serrate or toothed margins
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Dark green on the upper surface, paler grayish-green beneath with reddish petioles
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with 5 primary veins radiating from the base
Texture & Surface
Leathery and somewhat rough above, slightly pubescent or smooth below
Description
A large deciduous tree featuring a dense, rounded crown, grayish bark that flakes in mature specimens, and large palmately lobed leaves that resemble those of planetrees, hence the species name pseudoplatanus
Key Features
Opposite leaves with 5 coarse-toothed lobes, reddish petioles lacking milky sap (distinguishing it from Norway maple), and winged samaras in drooping clusters
Habitat
Temperomperate deciduous and mixed forests, thrives in moist, well-draining soils and tolerates urban pollution and coastal exposure well
Geographic Range
Native to Central and Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia; widely naturalized and planted across the British Isles, North America, and other temperate regions
Condition Notes
Good condition with healthy green coloration and minor natural insect feeding holes typical of forest understory or edge specimens
Interesting Facts
The wood is dense, white, and durable, often used in musical instruments like violins and backs of stringed instruments, as well as fine furniture and flooring
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily valued for timber, shade, and ornamental landscaping; not widely used for medicinal purposes, though sap can be tapped for a sweet syrup in minor quantities
Ecological Role
Provides heavy shade, nesting sites for birds, and food for various caterpillars and insects; can be invasive in certain non-native regions where it outcompetes local flora
Similar Species
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) which has milky sap in the petiole and sharper teeth on the lobes, and Field Maple (Acer campestre) which is much smaller with rounded lobe tips
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching, palmate five-lobed leaves with toothed edges, and reddish leaf stalks in deciduous woodland edges or parks during spring through autumn
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but the seeds and leaves can cause atypical myopathy in horses if ingested in large quantities