#22: Sycamore Maple

Classifications

Common Name: Sycamore Maple

Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus  

Family: Sapindaceae 

Tree Type: Deciduous

Growing Conditions 

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water: Moderate

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil

Spread: 40–60 ft wide

Height: 40–60 ft tall (can reach up to 100 feet in the wild)

Bloom Time: May to June

Leaf Characteristics

Leaf Type: Simple (lobed)

Leaf Blade: Palmate (lobed)

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite

Leaf Venation Pattern: Palmate

Leaf Size: 4–7 in

Interesting Facts

Fact #1: The Sycamore Tree is called a “False Sycamore” because it is a type of Maple tree, not a Sycamore Tree. 

Fact #2: The wood of a Sycamore Tree is highly prized and often used for violins and cellos.

Fact #3: When leaves and stems are broken, Sycamore Maples release a clear sap from the “petiole” (end of the leaf stem) unlike the milky white sap of a Norway Maple tree.