American Sycamore | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
Platanus occidentalis |
The sycamore forms a massive tree, typically reaching up to 30 metres high. In its native range, it is often found in riparian and wetland areas. The range includes Maine, Ontario, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and northeastern Mexico. It has become naturalised in some places outside its native range.
As a cultivated tree, it is susceptible to anthracnose disease, and so it is not often grown, the more resistant London plane being preferred instead. It is sometimes grown for timber.
The name sycamore can refer to other types of tree outside North America.