Platanus racemosa (Western Sycamore)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo, from Caspers Wilderness Park in January, shows a Sycamore tree with no leaves - note the clump of Mistletoe (Phoradendron macrophyllum).

A spectacular centuries old Sycamore located in Laguna Woods, Orange County, California.

Commemorative plaque at the old Sycamore.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Platanaceae

In the garden:

Western Sycamore is a deciduous tree which can reach a height of from 30 to 90 feet. It’s main trunk often divides into a spreading or leaning secondary trunk: with care in pruning, it can be trained into a picturesque multitrunked clump. The leaves are large and palmately lobed. The bark is pale, thin, and exfoliating. The white bark with the chips of brown spotted here and there make for an attractive formal trunk.It has some fall color. Brown, ball-like seed clusters hang from the branches on long stalks through the winter; they are popular in flower arrangements. It is tolerant of heat and wind; however, this tree would profit from periodic deep waterings during the summer, until it is well established. This fast growing tree is great in native or wild gardens; it also works well in large, informal gardens. It is often used in lawn areas, such as parks. It is probably allelopathic (Rice).

Sycamore blight (anthracnose), a fungus, may cause leaf drop in the spring or in the summer, but the tree will eventually develop a full canopy once the weather is dry. Fungicide applications in the spring will control anthracnose and permit vertical growth. It is also susceptible to leaf miner and red spider mites. Chlorosis may be a problem in desert areas.

In the wild:

Western Sycamore is commonly located along stream beds and water courses, below 4000 feet. This is a very important wildlife plant. Hummingbirds and butterflies use extensively. It is a food plant for the Western Tiger Swallowtail.

Ethnobotany:

Native people used the wood of the Western Sycamore for building and similar needs. The bark was used medicinally, and the leaves were sometimes used to wrap bread for baking.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

Index
Home