Species PlantsAmerican Sycamore

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

CommonPlant
Illustration of American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

The American Sycamore is one of the largest deciduous trees in North America, recognizable by its mottled white and gray bark that peels in patches. Often grows to massive size along riverbanks.

Habitat
Floodplains, streambanks, and moist lowland soils
Diet
Seeds eaten by finches; hollow trunks provide nesting sites for wood ducks and chimney swifts
How common
Common

Best time to see a American Sycamore

The best time to see a American Sycamore is February–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 59,499 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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