Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore can grow to be 35 m tall and is one of the largest broadleaf trees in Eastern North America. The largest recorded American Sycamore in Ontario was measured at 263 cm in diameter. It has distinctive bark that resembles a camouflage pattern. The outer bark will fall off in patches to reveal green, white, or cream-coloured inner bark in a mottled pattern. The alternate leaves are large, almost Maple-like, with 3-5 shallow lobes and coarse teeth on their margins. The seed pods are arranged in a ball shape that hangs from the branches and is a food source for many species of small mammals and birds. This is a very hardy, long-lived species and can reach an age of 250 years.
American Sycamore grows best in full sunlight, but also tolerates part-shade conditions. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers rich, moist soils. It can tolerate occasional flooding and can grow in wet areas, such as floodplains and river/stream banks
