Plant · GBIF taxon 3152820
American sycamore
Platanus occidentalisAlso known as American Planetree, Buttonwood
American sycamore develops a massive trunk whose outer bark flakes away in cream, olive, and gray patches. Its broad crown shades floodplains and riverbanks, while old hollows provide shelter for many animals.
Floodplain TreeMottled BarkLong Lived
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis; roots absorb water and mineral nutrients
Predators
- Sycamore lace bugs
- Leaf-feeding caterpillars
- Deer
ThreatsFloodplain clearing, soil compaction, drought, and fungal diseases
HabitatsFloodplains, stream banks, bottomland forests, and moist urban parks
Life spanCommonly at least 200 years, with exceptional trees persisting for several centuries
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPlatanaceae
- SpeciesPlatanus occidentalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Protect exposed roots and bark by remaining on established paths.
Responsible observation
- Bark: Identify the pale patchwork exposed as older bark peels away.
- Leaves: Check for very large leaves with broad pointed lobes.
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