American Sycamore

American Sycamore

(Platanus Occidentalis)

This tree can also be found near my house, only one or two blocks down and right across the street. It is also growing right along the road and it towers above all of the other trees around it so it stands out easily.

American Sycamore like moist soil and require lots of water to thrive. They also prefer some shade instead of full sun. The house and surrounding trees provide the shade necessary and the tree is planted on the lowest part of the yard so it can meet its needs. In the wild, you would usually find them near wetlands or in low valleys surrounded by other trees.

Sycamore always stand out to me for a few reasons, mainly their size. They are huge trees with crooked, spreading branches and very thick trunks. Their bark is also amazing, it exfoliates regularly in patches of different colors giving it a camouflage pattern.