American Sycamore, Platanus Occidentalis

Seedlings from a remarkable 45-foot tree in zone 4b in Lanaudière

Quite possibly one of the largest hardwood species in eastern North America. It grows singly in southern Ontario but especially in the eastern and central United States where it grows singly. In its natural area, it can reach considerable sizes of more than 30 meters with a trunk sometimes 2 meters in diameter and an immense crown. Its leaves somewhat resemble maple leaves and are very large (15 to 25 cm wide). It produces decorative green balls that hang from the branches for much of the year. Its bark peeling into large, thin, irregular patches is similar to army camouflage colors and is unique. It is considered very hardy in southern Quebec and the southern Maritimes but is not native there. Our seedlings come from a tree more than 15 m high growing in the Lanaudière region which is well established far from its natural area. The American plane tree grows quickly and tolerates heavy, poorly drained soils well. It is very rarely seen in Quebec in parks or private flowerbeds. A few representatives were found growing in the extreme southwest (Montérégie) near the American border, which suggests that it may have already been more abundant. In our opinion, it should be widely planted for its beauty and presence.Hardy from zone 4b.