About Sycamore Trees

The sycamore tree, Platanus occidentalis, is also known as American sycamore, American planetree, occidental plane and buttonwood. Native to North America, sycamores can be massive, growing to over 100 feet tall with a crown of 70 feet in diameter. They have the largest diameter of any American hardwood, in some cases achieving a girth of over 10 feet. The symmetrical canopy provides ample shade in open spaces, creating a cool spot to sit through those hot summer days. A rapidly growing tree, a sycamore takes a fraction of the time other shade trees require.

Sycamore trees thrive in a variety of environs throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9. If you’re looking for an easy-care, long-living shade tree, a sycamore with the Nature Hills Nursery guarantee is for you!

Eye-Catching, Easy-Care Sycamores

The spreading limbs at the top are dense, lush and green, so this tree is perfect for adding exceptionally good shade to a backyard or garden. The leaves can get to six inches long and turn a lovely yellow in the fall. Small animals regularly make sycamore trees their home because of the dense, warped, twisting branches.

Sycamores are known for their varied bark colors, which range from gray-green to whitewashed. They are highly resistant to pollution and salty soils. They stand up well in inclement weather, especially strong winds.

Sycamore Tree Varieties

• American Sycamore - One of the most popular sycamore tree varieties is the American Sycamore. It is one of the largest and oldest trees that are native to North American, achieving a mature height of over 100 feet and a spread of up to 80 feet. This fast-growing tree thrives on city lots, large suburban yards or anywhere it has room to live out its 250-year life expectancy. 
• Exclamation! London Planetree - Symmetry lovers will appreciate this tree’s strong and upright pyramidal profile. Highly resistant to anthracnose, powdery mildew and frost cracks on the trunk, this sycamore tree provides four full seasons of visual impact: small spring flowers attract pollinators, broad leaves provide summer shade, fall foliage turns a vibrant yellow, and multi-colored bark accents the winter landscape.
• Columbia Sycamore - This adaptable tree tolerates a range of soil types, from those rife with clay to periodically wet areas. It makes an excellent feature for a rain garden or grouped at the edge of an expansive property. Plant one in the southwest corner of your yard to shade your house, reduce energy bills and help filter storm runoff.