American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis · Platanaceae (Plane-tree family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with 3 to 5 shallow to medium lobes
Margin
Coarsely dentate and toothed
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Palmate venation with prominent raised veins
Key Features
Broad palmate blade with sharp marginal teeth and distinct alternate arrangement.
Description
A massive deciduous tree featuring distinctive exfoliating bark that peels to reveal white inner bark, bearing spherical aggregate fruits hanging on slender stalks.
Habitat
Found naturally along streams, rivers, floodplains, and moist bottomlands in full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, widely planted in urban landscapes.
Identified on 10/15/2026