Introduction:

The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a fast-growing, large shade tree that is a standout in any landscape due to its impressive size and unique peeling bark. It thrives in USDA Zones 4-9 and can quickly grow to heights of up to 70 feet, with a wide, spreading canopy. This tree is perfect for providing shade in larger yards, parks, and other expansive areas. Its large, lobed leaves turn golden in the fall, and the tree's exfoliating bark provides year-round visual interest.

Plant Summary:

• Size: Grows to a height of 70-100 feet with a spread of 60-80 feet.
• Foliage: Large, lobed, light green leaves turn golden-yellow in fall.
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading growth habit with a broad, rounded canopy.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of soil types.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
• pH Level: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.5).
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally resistant to pests but may occasionally be affected by anthracnose.

Pollination:

The American Sycamore is not dependent on pollinators, as it produces wind-pollinated flowers. It’s primarily grown for its ornamental and shade-providing properties rather than for fruit production. The tree produces small, round seed balls in fall, which often persist into winter.

Key Benefits:

• Fast-growing, providing quick shade for large landscapes.
• Unique exfoliating bark, which peels in patches to reveal a stunning mix of white, gray, and green tones.
• Extremely hardy and adaptable to urban environments, making it a low-maintenance option.
• Provides ample shade and enhances the landscape with its large, attractive foliage.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade.
• Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. The tree prefers moist soils but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained, moist soils but adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, reaching maturity in 20-30 years.
• Max Height/Width: Can reach up to 70-100 feet in height and 60-80 feet in width.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead branches or shape the tree. Minimal pruning is generally required.

Why You'll Love It:

The American Sycamore is a magnificent, fast-growing tree that makes an immediate impact in large landscapes. Its unique peeling bark provides visual interest year-round, while its broad canopy offers ample shade during the warmer months. The tree's adaptability and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a striking and resilient shade tree.

Planting Tips:

Plant your American Sycamore in early spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regular watering during the first few years will help the tree establish a strong root system.

Flower Color:

Not grown for flowers; produces inconspicuous green-yellow flowers in spring, followed by round seed balls in fall.

Plant Class:

Fast-Growing Shade Tree

Plant Name:

American Sycamore

Shipping Details:

Your American Sycamore will be shipped as a bare root tree, 2-3 feet in height, carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in optimal condition. Bare root trees are shipped during dormancy to promote successful transplanting and establishment in your landscape.

Key Information for American Sycamore - Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Platanus occidentalis (Platanus occidentalis):

• 📏Size: American Sycamore is a large deciduous tree that can reach a height of 75-100 feet (22.9-30.5 m) and a spread of 75-100 feet (22.9-30.5 m).
• 🍂Foliage: The foliage of American Sycamore is deciduous, with broad, palmately lobed leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
• 🌼Flowers & Fruit: In spring, American Sycamore produces greenish-yellow, ball-like flowers in hanging clusters. The flowers are followed by round, brown seed balls that persist on the tree through winter.
• ↕️Growth Habit: American Sycamore has a massive, rounded crown with sturdy, spreading branches.
• ☀️Sunlight: American Sycamore thrives in full sun and prefers open, sunny sites.
• 🪨Soil: American Sycamore prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay or sandy soils.
• 🗺️Hardiness: American Sycamore is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
• 🧪pH Level: American Sycamore prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• 🌳Pruning: Pruning of American Sycamore should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and prune to maintain a central leader.
• 🐛Pests & Disease: American Sycamore is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to anthracnose and powdery mildew. Regular care can prevent and manage potential issues.

Pollination of American Sycamore - Bare Root, 2-3 ft | Platanus occidentalis (Platanus occidentalis):

American Sycamore flowers are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers release pollen, which is carried by the wind to the female flowers for pollination. Once pollinated, the female flowers develop into round seed balls that contain many small, hairy seeds. These seed balls are a familiar sight in winter and are often called "buttonballs" or "monkey balls." American Sycamore is an impressive and majestic tree, valued for its massive size, distinctive mottled bark, and shade-providing canopy. It is often planted as a shade tree in parks, along streets, and in large landscapes. American Sycamore also plays a vital ecological role, providing habitat and food for various birds and wildlife species. Efforts to conserve and protect this iconic tree species aim to safeguard its contributions to biodiversity and maintain its cultural and environmental significance.

Fertilization

It is generally recommended to wait to fertilize a bare root plant until it has been established in the ground and is actively growing. This can vary depending on the type of plant and the growing conditions, but it is generally best to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after planting.

During the first year, you should focus on providing the plant with the right amount of water, sunlight and soil to help it become established. Once the plant has become established and is actively growing, you can begin to fertilize it.

You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one that is specifically formulated for the type of plant you have. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.

It is also important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants, so it's always best to error on the side of caution and start with a lower amount of fertilizer and increase as needed.

Why Buy From Us?

Welcome to our online bare root plant nursery! We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable bare root trees, nursery plants, and garden plants for sale. We understand the importance of having a beautiful garden, which is why we only offer the highest-quality plants at an affordable price.

Our selection of bare root trees, shrubs, and plants includes a wide variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial flowers, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and more. We carry tree varieties and tree types that are perfect for every type of garden, whether you're looking for fast growing trees, drought-tolerant trees, cold-hardy trees, native trees, or exotic trees.

Our bare root trees are superior to potted trees because they are easy to plant and establish quickly, plus they are more cost-efficient. They are carefully selected and grown to ensure they are healthy, and ready to thrive in your garden.

We also have a large selection of seedlings, including tree seedlings, which are perfect for those who want to grow their own trees from scratch. Our affordable trees are quality trees that are sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment in your garden.

At our wholesale nursery, we also offer bulk pricing for those who want to purchase a large number of trees for their own landscaping business, park, or other commercial project. Contact us directly for wholesale requests.

Our online nursery makes it easy for you to shop for the perfect plants from the comfort of your own home. And with our fast and reliable shipping, you can have your bare root trees, shrubs, and plants delivered right to your door.

We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure they arrive to you in good condition. And with our easy-to-plant trees, tree saplings, and step-by-step instructions for tree planting, you'll be able to get your new additions in the ground in no time.

Thank you for choosing our online bare root plant nursery. We are confident that you will be completely satisfied with the quality and selection of our plants. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect plants for your garden, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Shipping Schedule for Bare Root Trees & Shrubs

Nursery Trees

Dates shown above are approximate and can change without notice.  We're sorry, but nursery trees cannot be shipped to AK, HI, or territories, or countries outside the U.S. This is due to the agricultural laws within these locations.

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Shipping of House Plants

House plants typically ship in 2-3 Business Days. Plants are shipped from Florida and California.