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Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

[ Trees > Hardwoods . . . ]      Forest Type: Multiple; Riverine & Swamp

Range

Thin bark peeling away to reveal white inner bark; large, maple-like leaves; growing in riverbottoms and riverine ecosystems east of the Great Plains.

by Michael Kuo

Habitat: Usually on moist soil in bottomlands; often growing with eastern cottonwood; often planted in urban areas; growing east of the Great Plains.

Stature: 70-100+ feet high; to 8 feet in diameter; with a long main trunk.

Leaves: 4-7 inches long; with 3-5 pointed lobes; coarsely toothed; bright green above; paler below.

Bark: Thin, scaly, and reddish brown near the base of the tree; peeling away in plates above to reveal the white inner bark.

Fruit: A finely bumpy ball; to 1 1/2 inches long.


(References consulted)


Frequent Mushroom Associates:

Marasmius felix; Polyporus squamosus; Rhodotus palmatus; and many other mushrooms typical of eastern riverine hardwood ecosystems. Morel hunters often swear they find classic yellow morels under sycamores and eastern cottonwood in riverbottoms and creek beds.

 

Platanus occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis



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Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2005, August). Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/trees/platanus_occidentalis.html