Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3152820

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Also 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
American Sycamore reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Andy Wilson · cc0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderProteales
  2. FamilyPlatanaceae
  3. GenusPlatanus
  4. SpeciesPlatanus occidentalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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