Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore) grown in a 7-gallon pot.
Fall foliage of Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore) with yellows and browns.

Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore) Unity Grown

Regular price $99.95 Sale price$50.00 Save $49.95
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Available for local pick-up and delivery only
Qualifies for Marylanders Plant Trees Coupon ($25 Off) - see below for more info

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Platanus occidentalis, commonly referred to as the American sycamore, is a large, fast-growing tree native to large areas of the eastern half of North America and noted for its large, palmate leaves and exfoliating mottled bark in shades of white, gray, and brown. American sycamore can growth to heights of 75' to 100' tall, with massive trunks between five and eight feet thick (one historical record lists a sycamore with a trunk that was 15-16' in diameter!). In addition to their striking size, autumn foliage turns a brilliant shade of golden yellow before it falls and reveals the tree's eye-catching bark, all of which serve to add a ton of multi-season appeal.

Still highly prized for its multi-purpose lumber, Platanus occidentalis also makes for an excellent and versatile specimen or shade tree in large yards or parks. With strong wood, large canopies, and tolerance to a variety of environmental conditions, American sycamore is a great choice for planting in locations where other large over-story trees might not work. Though some broad-leaf trees might not always tolerate wet and flooded areas, Platanus occidentalis is a great addition to stream banks and erosion control projects, and handles standing water like a champ.

In addition to its ornamental and solution planting appeal, American sycamore is also a valuable ecological specimen to boot. With its large size, it has plenty of room for wildlife to shelter, and its seeds are highly prized by juncos, finches, and the Carolina chickadee as well as small mammals. Pollinators are attracted to the tree's small, inconspicuous, ball-shaped flowers, and several insect species use the tree as a host plant. Platanus occidentalis is also moderately resistant to damage from deer browsing.

Straight Species, Native to U.S., Native to Maryland, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Tree Height: Large: over 30 feet
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours)
Soil Moisture: Well-drained, Medium to Wet, and Wide Tolerance
Soil Type: Wide Tolerance
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Red and Green
Foliage Color: Green
Features: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Fall Color, and Winter Interest
Tolerances: Black Walnut Tolerant, Clay Soil Tolerant, Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Wet Soil Tolerant, Flood Tolerant, and Cold Tolerant
Garden Type: Meadow, Woodland Garden, Specimen Tree, and Shade Tree

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Marylanders Plant Trees

From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

"We launched Marylanders Plant Trees in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. The State cost of $20 per coupon is funded through a settlement from a major power generator for Clean Air Act violations, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland’s participating tree vendors are generously absorbing the remaining $5.

Trees must be planted in the state of Maryland to qualify for $25 off coupon.
Wholesale customers do not qualify.