SafePlants

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

The Sycamore Maple, scientifically known as Acer pseudoplatanus, is a familiar tree in many parts of the world. It's important to note that while commonly called "sycamore" in the UK, it's often referred to as "sycamore maple" elsewhere to avoid confusion with other trees.

Considerations for Pets

• Sap Flow: The sap of the sycamore maple rises early in the winter and is strongest in the spring.
• Seed Shape: The V-shaped seeds might be of interest to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Allergic Reactions: The text mentions that sycamore maple can cause serious allergic reactions in humans.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus L.
• Family: Aceraceae
• Common Names: Sycamore, Sycamore Maple, Great Maple, Scottish Maple, Planetree Maple, Mock Plane, Maple Leaf Sycamore. Other common names mentioned include Dool Tree, Erable Sycamore, Grief Tree, Hanging Tree, Joug Tree, Maple, Planetree Maple, Purple Sycamore.
• Synonyms: The text lists "sycamore English" and "sycamore maple English" as synonyms in some contexts, and mentions potential confusion with P. hispanica and P. hybrida.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Central Europe and Southwestern Asia, from France eastward.
• Widely cultivated in Europe for centuries.
• Found in damp and wet forest areas, stream sides, and gardens.
• Has demonstrated an ability to thrive in Zone 5 (possibly Zone 4).
• Registered in 17 different countries worldwide (as per the linked list).

Ecological Role

• Considered an environmental weed in some areas.
• Invades damp and wet forest areas, stream sides, and gardens.
• Conservationists may view young saplings as "weeds" due to their rapid growth.
• Reportedly invasive in Australia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Large deciduous tree, typically 40-60 feet in height, but capable of reaching over 100 feet (30 m or 98 ft).
• Mature trees have a domed, widely spreading crown.
• Spreading branches form an oval or rounded canopy.
• Bark is scaly and flakes off to reveal orange patches.
• Leaves are opposite, simple, 5-lobed, and 5 to 6 inches long.

Interactions with other organisms

• Susceptible to Tar spot, a fungal leaf spot disease.
• Aphids can infest maple and sycamore trees.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions that the sycamore maple is named for its foliage, which resembles that of planetree.
• The sap of the sycamore maple starts to rise early in the winter, and the sap flow is at its strongest in spring.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life: Provides summaries, media, and data related to the Sycamore Maple.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Offers updated online encyclopedia articles.
• Mention of stock photos available at Getty Images.