Tree
Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Features
Mottled, flaky bark; brown fall color.
Culture
Full sun; best in moist, well drained soils, but tolerate of dry sites as well; tolerant of high soil pH.
Cultivars
Mature Height
70-100 Feet
Size
Large
Mature Form
Open, somewhat irregular and wide-spreading.
Native To:
United States (and Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Soil Compaction
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Uses
Shade
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Brown
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Bacterial Disease
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Insect Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Sycamore lacebug, anthracnose, cankers, and powdery mildew.
Additional Notes
Very susceptibe to anthracnose; this tree can be difficult to use in the home landscape due to its massive size.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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