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American Sycamore

Will Ship Spring 2024

Plant Type: Dormant, bare-root

Zones:  4-9

Soil Type:  Clay, Loamy & Sandy Soils

Site Selection: Full Sun

Mature Height & Width:  70-100' Height and 60-80' Spread

Growth Rate:  Fast - 24" or more per year once established

Moisture Requirements: Average to wet soils

Plant Characteristics
SHADE TREE
ROUND SHAPE
$9.07
4-9

American Sycamore

Plantanus occidentalis

The American Sycamore is generally acknowledged as the largest tree indigenous to eastern North America. Also known as the American Planetree and Buttonball Tree, this extremely large and fast growing shade tree displays very unique bark. Many describe its bark as looking like camoflauge. The older bark on the trunk naturally exfoliates, leaving a patchwork of greens, browns and yellows against a background of white. The large leaves resemble Maple leaves.

Make sure you have plenty of room to let this tree grow. Commonly reaching over 100' tall, the American Sycamore can live for hundreds of years. This tree is a great choice along the edge of streams or lakes, in wetland and floodplain areas, and is regularly used to reclaim old strip mines and other hard to grow areas with saturated and compacted soils.

The American Sycamore is generally seen in the wild alongside River Birch, Red and Silver Maple, Willows and Cottonwood.  If you want a fast growing and large shade tree, the American Sycamore is right for you. Buds are late to form in the spring so sometimes a bit of patience can be required.      

The American Sycamore has surface roots which may raise driveways and sidewalks.  It is advisable to plant this tree at least 40-50' away from such surfaces.  These same roots may make mowing underneath the tree somewhat difficult in areas.

Fun Fact:  Native Americans used Sycamore for a variety of medicinal purposes, including cold and cough remedies, as well as dietary, dermatalogical, gynecological, respiratory and gastrointestinal aids.1

1As stated in the USDA / NCRS American Sycamore Plant Guide

Common uses for the American Sycamore:

  • Massive shade tree with wide crown and large leaves
  • Lumber is used for furniture, particle board and wood pulp
  • Year round interest with its unique camoflauge like bark
  • Reclamation of strip mines and other difficult areas with saturated or compacted soils
  • Erosion control along the banks of streams and rivers

Although the American Sycamore does not have significant wildlife value, many different types of birds do eat the seeds it produces.  Cavity nesting birds and mammals regularly use the hollows of older sycamore trees.

Product Questions

When do these trees ship?
Question by: Drew on Sep 21, 2020, 10:33 AM
All of our nursery stock is delivered exclusively in the spring between April and early June. We have no fall delivery option.
Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Sep 21, 2020, 10:59 AM
What is the scientific name of this tree?
Question by: Thomas Dougherty on Dec 14, 2021, 6:19 AM
The Latin name is Plantanus occidentalis.
Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Dec 14, 2021, 8:14 AM
When can these be ordered and planted
Question by: Chris Aultman on Mar 2, 2022, 9:39 AM
Our shipping season is from March - May. The process of shipping is based upon several specifics:
Chronological placement of the order
Availability of nursery stock
USDA Hardiness Zone of the shipping address
Customer requested delivery week
Answer by: Chief River Nursery on Mar 2, 2022, 10:01 AM