How to identify a sycamore tree
Tree Profiles > How to identify a sycamore tree
How do you identify a sycamore tree?
Wondering if you are looking at a sycamore tree? Your clues are their leaves, buds, flowers and seeds. Here’s what they look like at-a-glance:
Sycamore tree facts
Hello! In today’s guide we are going to learn how to identify a sycamore tree. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are a few sycamore facts:
- Common name: Sycamore
- Latin name: Acer pseudoplatanus
- Family: Sapindaceae
Sycamore trees can grow up to 35 meters tall, live for 400 years and can be found almost anywhere, in hedgerows, woodlands, riverbanks, parks and gardens.
Sycamore leaves
Sycamore leaves are palmate, with 5, toothed lobes, a red stem and slight down underneath.
Sycamore buds
Their buds are oval and green with dark brown or black points.
Sycamore flowers
Its flowers are small, green-ish yellow and dangle down in a raceme.
Sycamore seeds
Sycamore seeds grow in closely held pairs, each with a single membranous wing.
Trees that look similar to sycamore
sycamore leaf
Norway maple leaf
sycamore seed
Norway maple
Norway maple
The seeds of the Norway maple also look similar to sycamore, but are larger, more wavy and held further away from each other.
Sycamore tree uses
- Bushcraft – Sycamore wood is strong and fine, making it great for carving
- Wildlife – Sycamore is a valuable food source for a variety of moths, birds, small mammals and other insects.