Image of Platanus occidentalis
Source: Bruce Martin
image of Deciduous Tree
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore
Platane occidental

Synonyms

American plane-tree
American sycamore
buttonball
buttonball tree
buttonwood
platane d'Occident
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom Colour: Green Bloom Period: Apr - Apr
Max Height: 100.0 feet
Max Width: 15.0 feet
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
Landscape Uses: No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits: No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Foot Traffic Tolerant Tolerates foot traffic around the plant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Platanus occidentalis
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Platanus occidentalis

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Platanus occidentalis

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Magnoliaceae (Magnolia)
  • Acer japonicum (Japanese Maple)
  • Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
  • Juglans nigra (Black Walnut Cultivar)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by January
  • Stratification duration: 90 days

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
  • Harvesting:
    • Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Not toxic as per ASPCA.