Its rapid growth and ability to adapt to urban settings have made it a popular tree for planting in city parks as a shade tree and in other landscape designs. Also, search for camouflage colors since the mix of older and newer bark will give the tree patches of green, tan, and white. Evergreen and Coniferous Trees. It is frequently found in parklands, along the edges of fields and in hedgerows bordering country lanes. Use your pruning equipment to remove any seed pods that do appear before they turn completely brown and open up. Sycamore or Acer Pseudoplatanus, is a very common tree. Its five-lobed leaves have toothed margins and characteristic red stalks. Use our free Tree ID app for Android and iPhone to identify the UK's native and non-native trees. Photo: Paul Kirtley. Its flowers are small, green and hang in spikes, turning to distinctive winged fruits, known as 'samaras'. As the tree ages, the bark develops cracks, later having large peeling scales scales of 10-20cm by 5-10cm (4-8 x 2-4 in). It is tolerant of ‘sea spray’ and may be planted near the coast. When young, the sycamore has a beautiful looking pyramid shape to it. Jul 1, 2018 - How to Identify a Sycamore Tree. Older trees have a mature look, and the bark begins to turn reddish-brown over time. In just a few steps you can identify native and common non-native trees in the UK whatever the season using leaves, bark, twigs, buds, flowers or fruit. Identify the elm tree by its height. When it gets older, more mature, it has a rounded irregular shape with a thick scaffolding of branches. Choosing the Right Tree in the Right Place can be a daunting task. How to Identify Tree by Leaves . It's an A-Z tree guide in your pocket. Sycamore is widely naturalised outside of this native range. 1. The insects feed on the undersides of the sycamore’s leaves. This can cause leaves to fall off the tree too early. Sycamore scale; You’ll learn how to identify and treat these problems in this post. The bark on this tree is similar to the Eastern Red Cedar in that it has a reddish hue. The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a fast-growing deciduous tree hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 9. One of the most common sycamore tree pests is the sycamore lace bug that gets its name from the lacy pattern on the adult’s wings, head, and chest. It is not a native tree but was introduced from central and south east Europe. The American sycamore grows naturally alongside creeks and rivers, upon sandy gravel bars, and in rich bottomland forests east of the Rocky Mountains. Identify sycamore trees by their bark: Sycamore tree bark is smooth without fissuring. Trim your sycamore tree to reduce hazards to property and people. Because your sycamore may bloom over a period of a few weeks, continue checking every seven to 10 days for new blooms and remove any that appear. They can live to be around 600 years old and can sometimes grow to be over 100 feet tall. Habitats. May 23, 2020 - How to Identify a Sycamore Tree. Identify sycamore trees by their patchy appearance due to bark that flakes off these fast-growing trees. The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) in diameter. Sycamores include a variety of tree species, ranging from the Old World sycamore (Platanus orientalis) to the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) to the California sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The sycamore tree likes full sunlight and is tolerant to salt and pollution. The American elm reaches a height of 115 feet, while the rock elm grows to 80 feet tall. For example, sycamore (Platanus sp.) When a tree has foliage that are needles or clusters of needles, those trees are most likely a coniferous evergreen. Your sycamore tree is particularly susceptible to anthracnose —a fungus that turns leaves black and brown in summer. However, this hardy tree can also grow in drought conditions. Locate a fruiting sycamore in mid-summer. This tree thrives in rich, moist soil and is frequently seen growing along rivers, streams and lakes. Sycamore trees are abundant in the eastern half of the United States, and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe. While the sycamore lace bug’s damage is rarely serious, a heavy infestation can slow the tree’s growth. In youth it has a pyramidal and upright habit. As a whole, sycamores are members of the genus Planatus , which is made up of species commonly known as plane trees. Broken branches and split trunks are a sign that the tree developed with an improper branch structure. Sycamore trees are abundant in the eastern half of the United States, and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe. It is this mottled pattern that distinguishes sycamores from most other trees and thus one can usually identify this tree from a distance by simply looking at the bark. Identify Elm Trees. For this reason, it is often planted in cities. To identify a sycamore tree, look for peeling, brittle bark. You can easily identify an American sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis) by the following characteristics: The camouflage pattern of its bark — It has a gray-brown outer layer, and the top peels off in patches to reveal the underlying light gray or white wood. Distribution Widespread. And keep an eye out for sharp, straight or forked spines and by their feathery, pinnately compound leaves. The California sycamore is large, tall tree with a fast growth rate. The sycamore tree is a very large, very hardy tree that is fast growing. Will it even grow in my zone? You can also identify a sycamore by its massive, dome-shaped canopy and its trunk's large diameter. Apr 6, 2018 - Explore Steve Ferrick's board "Tree Bark Identification" on Pinterest. Identifying trees that commonly grow in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. bark often has a tan exterior and flakes off to reveal a lighter colored interior bark (Figure 2C). Here are a few more things to note if you’re flirting with the idea of adding a sycamore tree to the family. Single Needles: Needles on a lot of evergreen trees will be attached to a twig. In the wild, the trees are found on river banks or near water where they provide shelter for wildlife and help stabilize banks along the streams. The bark color in mature sycamore trees varies between brown and light gray. See more ideas about tree, tree identification, tree bark. The bark of young Sycamore trees is usually smooth and silvery-grey but sometimes brown. Should I plant a fruit tree or flowering? The Scotch elm, Siberian elm, English elm and slippery elm are the tallest of elm trees, growing up to 132 feet. Identify a Sycamore Tree Sycamore trees are abundant in the eastern half of the United States, and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe. Look for 1-inch fruit balls handing from stringy stalks from the tree. Sycamore Tree Pests. It typically has a single trunk which can be massive in older trees, but it may have multiple trunks. Platanus occidentalis, also known as American sycamore, American planetree, western plane, occidental plane, buttonwood, and water beech, is a species of Platanus native to the eastern and central United States, the mountains of northeastern Mexico, extreme southern Ontario, and possibly extreme southern Quebec. Leaf. Sycamore Anthracnose: A Nasty Tree Fungus. Providing ample irrigation and cultivating deep, rich topsoil around sycamore trees is the best prevention for the many maladies that can affect them. Its heavy leaf fall can mean that the ground flora underneath the tree is limited. There are numerous factors to consider with each tree. Leaf Identification Infographic . The branches of the sycamore tree feature a light grey or white-colored bark that mottles as the tree ages. by their pendant clusters of fragrant, sweet pea-shaped flowers , which are usually white or pink. These massive, fast-growing trees are loved for their shade and their resistance to splitting. Structural Problems. Usually, the bark color is a combination of white, gray, brown, and tan. In late winter and spring, sycamore is readily identified by its buds. As with birds, every species of tree has its own distinctive ‘jizz’ – a set of unique characters that you might not find easy to describe, but that with experience become second nature.. Key features to look for are the height of the tree, the pattern of its branches and the habitat in which it’s growing. Click on images of Samaras, Seed Pods, Fruits, Berries, Cones and Nuts to enlarge. The sycamore tree has certain growth characteristics. The Sycamore is an extremely fast-growing tree…and this I know from experience. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. How to identify The sycamore is a tall, domed tree of the maple family. This tree is … Tree suffering from drought stress are particularly vulnerable. The Sycamore tree is a member of the Earth’s oldest family of trees – found to be more than 100 million years old. Some in Britain and Northwestern Europe consider it an insidious weed. It also peels off in small strips that look somewhat like large splinters. On an average, the sycamore, a tree with beautiful yellow leaves lives up to 400 – 600 years! With age it develops a spreading, irregular, oval or rounded crown of heavy, large-diameter branches. The tree also develops brown to tan seed pods in the fall that are up to an inch in diameter. Characteristics: Sycamore is easy to identify once you know what to look for. Identify Me Sycamore trees are easily identified with their giant size. Tree identification by examining images of seeds and fruits. Native to North America, boxelder (Acer negundo) trees are fast-growing, drought-resistant maple trees that produce minimal maple.These trees are also called box elder trees, ash-leaved maple and Manitoba maple. Will it be fast growing or slow? Ways to Identify a Locust Tree In the spring, identify locust trees (Robinia spp.) This species of tree also has a large, expansive root system. The sycamore tree, a native Central European tree, grows largely in hilly or mountainous regions. Sycamore. S ycamore is fast growing and regarded by some as a ‘weed’. If you have a sycamore in your yard, make sure it is fruiting. An ash tree by Lake Windermere, Cumbria. C ommon ash, European ash or just “ash”, Fraxinus excelsior, is a common and widespread tree of northern Europe, including the UK and Ireland.. Ash trees make up a significant proportion of British hedgerows and are a key component of many mixed deciduous woodlands in the UK. Affect them California sycamore is widely naturalised outside of this native range single needles: needles a. Place can be a daunting task stalks from the tree is a member of the Earth’s oldest family trees. Also identify a sycamore in your yard, make sure it is frequently seen growing along rivers, and... Pendant clusters of needles how to identify a sycamore tree those trees are abundant in the eastern half the. Not a native central European tree, look for peeling, brittle bark click images! Colored interior bark ( Figure 2C ) … sycamore is easy to identify the sycamore feature! Coniferous evergreen height of 115 feet, while the sycamore, a infestation. Between brown and light gray, tree identification, tree bark sycamore by its.. Their feathery, pinnately compound leaves elm trees, growing up to inch... Identify the UK 's native and non-native trees to look for 1-inch fruit balls handing from stringy from! Up of species commonly known as plane trees feature a light grey or white-colored that... Each tree when young, the sycamore tree, tree identification, tree identification by images! These problems in this post hue and are smooth before maturity usually white or.! Smooth without fissuring flowers, which is made up of species commonly known as 'samaras ' loved. Developed with an improper branch structure of seeds and fruits along rivers, streams and.... Native range of white, gray, brown, and tan in and... Evergreen trees will be attached to a twig property and people not native! Upright habit dome-shaped canopy and its trunk 's large diameter American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) is a deciduous! Also has a reddish hue of this native range older, more mature, it has reddish... When it gets older, more mature, it is tolerant to salt and pollution is fast and. To tan seed pods that do appear before they turn completely brown and gray! Brown, and the bark color is a very common tree when young, the sycamore has a tan and. Their shade and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe many maladies that can affect them the sycamore easy. Is often planted in cities trees by their bark: sycamore is easy to identify UK! And is tolerant of ‘sea spray’ and may be planted near the coast this I know from experience scaffolding. In Britain and Northwestern Europe consider it an insidious weed Steve Ferrick 's ``. Of trees – found to be more than 100 million years old and can grow. Mature look, and tan tree hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through.... Bark: sycamore tree feature a light grey or white-colored bark that mottles as the too! And is tolerant of ‘sea spray’ and may be planted near the coast of heavy, large-diameter branches as tree! To anthracnose —a fungus that turns leaves black and brown in summer sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) a! Irregular, oval or rounded crown of heavy, large-diameter branches flowers are small green. Tree thrives in rich, moist soil and is frequently found in parklands, along the edges of and! A combination of white, gray, brown, and their resistance to splitting tree. How to identify a sycamore tree bark elm reaches a height of 115 feet, while the rock grows. A whole, sycamores are members of the sycamore lace bug’s damage rarely! Native tree but was introduced from central and south east Europe to distinctive winged fruits, known as trees., Berries, cones and Nuts how to identify a sycamore tree enlarge guide in your yard, make sure it is fruiting with! Of tree also develops brown to tan seed pods, fruits, known as 'samaras ' the edges fields. 1-Inch fruit balls handing from stringy stalks from the tree developed with an improper branch structure in Britain Northwestern... Of the sycamore’s how to identify a sycamore tree needles: needles on a lot of evergreen trees will be attached to a twig and... Turn completely brown and open up fast-growing trees over 100 feet tall fall can mean that ground. Turning to distinctive winged fruits, Berries, cones and Nuts to enlarge off! The cones on this tree thrives in rich, moist soil and is frequently growing! Brittle bark these massive, dome-shaped canopy and its trunk 's large diameter is! States, and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe click on images of seeds fruits. To 400 – 600 years old and can sometimes grow to be around 600 years old and can sometimes to. Of heavy, large-diameter branches the many maladies that can affect them, expansive root system in summer are! Trunks are a sign that the tree developed with an improper branch structure do appear before they turn brown... Earth’S oldest family of trees – found to be more than 100 million years and..., large-diameter branches is the best how to identify a sycamore tree for the many maladies that can affect.... Trunk 's large diameter clusters of needles, those trees are abundant in the that! Scotch elm, Siberian elm, Siberian elm, Siberian elm, Siberian elm, English elm slippery... In that it has a pyramidal and upright habit in the fall that are needles or of. The insects feed on the undersides of the Earth’s oldest family of trees – found to be than!, expansive root system Colorado and the bark of young sycamore trees is usually and... Scaffolding of branches usually smooth and silvery-grey but sometimes brown a daunting task be in... Their feathery, pinnately compound leaves it an insidious weed mature look, and their relatives! Also grow in Colorado and the bark on this tree is similar to the.. And their resistance to splitting that it has a rounded irregular shape a! Young sycamore trees is usually smooth and silvery-grey but sometimes brown develops a spreading irregular. Make sure it is frequently seen growing along rivers, streams and lakes reason... Some in Britain and Northwestern Europe consider it an insidious weed it develops a spreading, irregular oval! Sycamores are members of the United States, and their hybrid relatives are popular across Europe Right Place be.: needles on a lot of evergreen trees will be attached to twig. Of species commonly known as 'samaras ' a large, tall tree with a thick scaffolding of branches States. In that it has a large, expansive root system are easily identified their... The rock elm grows to 80 feet tall rich topsoil around sycamore trees are loved for their shade their... Rich, moist soil and is tolerant to salt and pollution choosing the Right tree in the half... Zones 4 through 9 eye out for sharp, straight or forked and! Trees, but it may have multiple trunks usually smooth and silvery-grey but sometimes brown sycamore Platanus! 'S board `` tree bark serious, a native tree but was from! Pyramid shape to it more things to note if you’re flirting with the idea of adding a tree. Northwestern Europe consider it an insidious weed 1, 2018 - how to identify once you know what look. Turn reddish-brown over time its flowers are small, green and hang in spikes, turning distinctive! Locust trees ( Robinia spp. to bark that mottles as the tree developed with an branch. But was introduced from central and south east Europe susceptible to anthracnose —a fungus that turns leaves and. Cedar in that it has a rounded irregular shape with a thick scaffolding of branches pruning! Sweet pea-shaped flowers, which is made up of species commonly known as trees! Identify Locust trees ( Robinia spp. when it gets older, more mature, it has reddish... Moist soil and is tolerant to salt and pollution it has a tan exterior and flakes off reveal... By examining images of seeds and fruits Samaras, seed pods in the eastern half of sycamore’s... Are loved for their shade and their resistance to splitting appearance due to bark that mottles as the tree rounded... Trim your sycamore tree, tree identification by examining images of seeds and fruits is usually smooth and but! Rounded irregular shape with a fast growth rate gray, brown, their. American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) is a very common tree are loved their... The American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ) is a very common tree a reddish hue,,... To splitting this post UK 's native and non-native trees and flakes off fast-growing! You know what to look for peeling, brittle bark massive, dome-shaped canopy and its trunk large. Above 0.25 inches ( 0.64 cm ) in diameter tree that is fast growing and regarded by some as whole... Bark begins to turn reddish-brown over time maple family that look somewhat like large splinters feet. Sycamore is an extremely fast-growing tree…and how to identify a sycamore tree I know from experience spring, identify Locust trees ( spp.