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California sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus racemosa
Family: Platanaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
The California Sycamore, scientifically known as Platanus racemosa, is a magnificent tree native to California and Baja California. It's also known by several common names, including Western Sycamore and California Plane Tree.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the bark can be used for coffee, suggesting the presence of potentially ingestible parts.
Considerations for Children
- The tree can grow to be quite large (over 100 feet), and the text mentions that it can be a "big mess to clean up leaves too" suggesting that its leaves are of considerable size.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Platanus racemosa Nutt.
- Family: Platanaceae (Sycamore)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Western Sycamore, California Plane Tree
- Dicot
- Symbol: PLRA
- Arizona Sycamore: Sometimes considered a subspecies.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and Baja California.
- Ranges from Baja California northwards to the Sacramento Valley and up into the Sierra Nevada foothills.
- Absent from north coast ranges in California.
- Thrives along streams, foothills, and the Coast Range.
- Common in riparian habitats, canyons, and floodplains.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous tree.
- Fast-growing, reaching 40-50 ft. high, and sometimes over 100 feet tall.
- Can grow 15-20 ft. in the first 5-10 years.
- Main trunk often divides into ascending branches.
- Leaf: Alternate, simple, deciduous, 5 to 10 inches long, palmately lobed.
- Bark is described as beautiful.
Ecological Role
- Tolerates heat, smog, and some drought conditions, but prefers moist conditions.
- Requires more water than California native varieties.
- Tolerates sand, clay and seasonal flooding.
- Provides vast amounts of shade.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The clear-winged sycamore borer moth (Synanthedon resplendens) tunnels into the lining of the tree.
Historical and Traditional Uses
- Native Americans utilized the inner bark for food and medicinal purposes.
Quirky Facts
- Chunks of its bark can be used for a coffee
- It is iconic tree of the state.
Further Information
- Arborday.org: Offers information on size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference.
- Natural History of Orange County, California.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 (American sycamore), zones 7 and up (California sycamore).
- Gettys Images: Find premium, high-resolution photos.