American sycamore or plane tree (Platanus occidentalis)

Large trees

• Maximum height
  100 feet
• Relative growth rate
  Excellent
• Freedom from insect pests
  Good
• Freedom from disease problems
  Poor
• Resistance to storm damage
  Good
• Will grow on poorly drained soil
  Excellent
• Will grow in hot, dry areas
  Good
• Easy to transplant
  Good
• Withstands city conditions
  Good

The most striking feature of the sycamore is its flaking bark that peels off to reveal the lighter-colored underbark. It is considered a dirty tree, as it is continuously dropping bark and twigs that need to be picked up. A twig blight that temporarily disfigures the foliage attacks sycamore almost every spring. It will seldom kill the tree, but it certainly reduces its value as an ornamental. Sycamore is a fast-growing tree that will reach an immense size. It is much too large for the average home grounds. It needs a deep, rich soil to develop properly.

If a sycamore is desired, the European species, London plane tree, or the Asiatic species, Oriental plane tree, is a much better choice than the native American species. They are resistant to the twig blight and do not reach as large a size.