Sycamore Maple

Sycamore Maple is a deciduous tree species that can reach 20m in height. It is a very adaptable species that grows in full sun or light shade, and tolerates some salt. It is native to Europe and western Asia.

Identification

Here are some key features that may help to positively identify Sycamore Maple:

• Leaves are medium to large, broad, with a leathery texture, dark green above and light green below
• Leaves have 5 lobes, with 2 outer lobes reduced, base of leaf is heart-shaped
• Leaf edge is coarsely toothed
• Bark is scaly and regularly flakes off mature trees, revealing an orange inner bark
• Twigs: zig zag, stout, leaf scar nearly surrounds the bud, buds are large and cone-shaped
• Flowers are small, greenish, and bloom in the spring in long, drooping clusters
• Trees produce winged seeds (samaras) the form in clusters