American sycamore, Plane tree
Platanus occidentalis
Family: Platanaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 50 m tall and spreads 6 m wide. The stem is erect and branching. The bark is grey and flaking. The leaves are light green and have lobes arranged like fingers on a hand. The flowers are in round heads.
There are 10 Platanus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does best in cool deep alkaline soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Central Asia, China, East Africa, Korea, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), Tajikistan, Tasmania, USA, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The sweet sap is used in the preparation of sugar and syrup.
Edible parts
Sap
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.