Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Height, Spread: 75-100 ft for both

Water/Soil: Moist-occasionally wet, well-drained

Light: Full sun

Bloom: Spring, insignificant yellow or green flowers

Native Range: Central and Eastern USA

Qualities: Wildlife resource, NC Native, Host plant

Notes: Deciduous tree commonly found in riparian areas and drier swamps statewide in NC. Songbirds enjoy eating the seeds and it is a host plant for the Sycamore Tussock moth (Halysidota harrisii) and the Drab Prominent moth (Misogada). The wood is hard and fairly strong. Indigenous peoples used it to make canoes. Best planted in large woodland garden or as a specimen tree.