Extension for Real Life Blog

Tree of the Month: Sycamore

Next time you’re walking in the woods or in the park, take a moment to look up. If you see a tree that is over 100 ft tall, there is a good chance you are seeing a sycamore tree. Sycamore trees are the largest deciduous trees in North America. Their large size and broad canopy create a pleasant, cooling environment for both humans and animals.

Other than their size, sycamore trees have several other distinguishing characteristics.

• Leaves: The leaves of a sycamore are bright green with 3 to 5 jagged lobes per leaf.
• Bark: Sycamore trees have a mottled red-brown bark as younger trees, and older trees have a green-gray to nearly white bark.
• Seeds: The seeds of sycamores are olive green, round, and 1 inch in diameter.
• Habitat: Native to the eastern United States, sycamore trees prefer rich bottomland soils near water, but it is widely grown as a shade tree in residential areas.

Sycamore trees provide a blend of beauty and practicality to any landscape. Their impressive size, shade-providing ability, and their unique characteristics make them a desirable tree for both yards, parks, and forests.

To learn more about sycamore trees, visit Extension Publication 146, “Know Your Trees.”

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