Platanus occidentalis     
American planetree   
Platanaceae Family     

Form: large, wide, spreading tree with massive trunk
Seasonality: deciduous
Size: 60-100ft with near equal spread; does not reach full height in Tucson
Leaves: alternate, lobed (2-5 lobes per leaf), toothed margin; young growth is pubescent especially on underside
Flowers: not significant
Fruit: tightly clustered balls of seed, 1in diameter, may be single or in clusters; persistent
Stems/Trunks: coarse bark exfoliates to reveal gray, green or white smooth trunk
Range/Origin: North America
Hardiness: to 0°F

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• seen in parks, other public areas
• not recommended for use here, suffers in summer heat

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun
• Water: moderate to high
• Soil: uniform; best in low-lying areas where soil may hold moisture
• Propagation: seed
• Maintenance: high; needs excessive water to survive, fall leaf cleanup

new leaves on Platanus occidentalis note also seed ball from prior season

NOTES:

aka American sycamore

found naturally in perennial stream beds

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This page was first created June 23, 2001 and last modified August 5, 2005.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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