Sycamore Maple (also known as European Sycamore)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer pseudoplatanus · Sapindaceae (Maple family) · Simple; deciduous
Species
Acer pseudoplatanus (Confidence level: 95%)
Leaf Type
Simple; deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family)
Shape
Palmately lobed with five lobes (three primary upper lobes and two smaller basal lobes)
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches wide; typical mature leaves range from 4 to 6 inches, suggesting this is a medium-sized specimen.
Margin
Coarsely serrate (toothed or crenate-serrate) along the lobe margins
Arrangement
Opposite (though shown as a single specimen, the genus Acer is characteristically opposite-leaved)
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in landscaping and easily naturalized in temperate climates.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly mid-to-dark green on the upper surface; no variegation; slightly paler on the underside which is typical for the species.
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation; five main veins radiate from the base of the blade into the lobes, with prominent secondary reticulate veins.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly leathery upper surface; the petiole is smooth and exhibits a slight yellowish-green tint.
Description
Large deciduous tree reaching 20-35 meters with a broad, rounded crown. Bark is grey-brown and flakes off in patches to reveal orange-brown inner bark (resembling a planes tree, hence 'pseudoplatanus'). It produces yellowish-green flowers in drooping panicles and winged samaras as fruit.
Key Features
Five-lobed palmate leaf with coarsely toothed margins; petiole does not contain milky sap when broken (unlike Norway Maple); large, spreading form.
Habitat
Thrives in various soils including chalk and sea-salt spray environments; often found in temperate forests, disturbed areas, and as an ornamental in parks.
Geographic Range
Native to Central Europe and Southwest Asia. Widely naturalized in North America, United Kingdom, and Australia; considered invasive in some regions.
Condition Notes
Excellent; the leaf appears healthy with no visible signs of Tar Spot (Rhytisma acerinum) which is common for this species, nor any significant insect herbivory.
Interesting Facts
The wood is highly valued for making musical instruments, specifically the backs, necks, and scrolls of violins. In Scotland, it is often simply called a 'Plane' tree.
Medicinal & Uses
Primary use is timber and ornamental landscaping. Historically, the sap was used to make syrup or ale, though sugar content is lower than that of Sugar Maples.
Ecological Role
Provides habitat and food for various aphids and their predators (ladybugs); flowers are a significant nectar source for bees in early spring.
Similar Species
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) which has sharper teeth and milky sap; Field Maple (Acer campestre) which is smaller with rounded lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive flaking bark on mature trees and the long, drooping clusters of flowers in late spring. Check for 'Tar Spots'—black fungal circles—often present on this species in autumn.
Toxicity Warning
Generally non-toxic to humans, but the seeds and young seedlings contain Hypoglycin A, which is highly toxic to horses and causes Atypical Myopathy.