Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis L.

PLAT-ah-nus ox-ah-dent-AY-lus

Platanaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name an ancient Greek name for Old World Platanus (Plane-Tree) (BA1), or from Greek platys for broad (FNA). Occidentalis means western.

Natural range: Eastern and southern U.S., including N. Florida (but not P.B. County)

Recognition: Potentially very large native tree with white-brown patterned bark shedding in broad flakes. Leaf blades resembling maple leaves but alternate, pubescent. Buds covered by leaf bases. Fruit clusters resembling fuzzy golf balls.

Landscape uses: Very large specimen tree, finding uses in public spaces, parking lot islands, highway dividers. Tolerant of urban conditions. Regarded as “messy” due to leafdrop, bark shedding, and hairy fruit clusters.