Why Plant American Sycamore?
Chalky white Sycamore limbs against a cold blue winter sky…the Sycamore is a majestic tree with bark that exfoliates to reveal smooth patches of tan, olive, and cool white. This is an iconic tree of river valleys in the eastern U.S., where it grows to awe-inspiring proportions. Its immense trunks, uniquely patterned bark, and big, Maple-shaped leaves are known to all who live, hike, or boat in the vast area that Sycamore calls home. If you own a spacious property, you can grow this noble tree as a shade tree in your yard, and it will be cherished for generations to come.
The mighty Sycamore Tree inhabits a large area of the eastern U.S., from Maine to Florida and west to southern Minnesota and Texas. Wherever it finds a sunny, moist site in which to germinate and grow, it has the potential to be the most massive and impressive tree in all the land. Few of the true giants remain, such as the incredible specimen George Washington reported seeing as he travelled down the Ohio River one day. On an island in the river, he found a Sycamore measuring nearly 13 feet in diameter. Other trees, larger still and hollow inside, have been used in the past to shelter livestock, or to even house a pioneer family until a log cabin could be built!
How to use American Sycamore in the landscape?
Also known as the Buttonball Tree, the Sycamore Tree carries its seeds in fluffy balls that dangle from the branches. These seed balls may attract native birds to your yard, such as purple finches, goldfinches, chickadees, and juncos.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant American Sycamore
The fast-growing Sycamore Tree is easy to grow in a sunny site in average to moist soil. Give Sycamore plenty of elbow room. It can be used as a street tree, although the look-alike you often see on city streets is usually the London Plane Tree, a hybrid tree with Sycamore as a parent. One issue that may occur with Sycamore is a disease called anthracnose, which sounds worse than it is. It causes the new growth to die back as if hit by frost. The tree will simply resprout new leaves to replace the damaged ones. The disease is more likely to occur in particularly cool, wet springs.
How To Water
When first planted, water your American Sycamore deeply. The American Sycamore prefers to be grown in moist soil and is not tolerant of drought, so be sure to water well during periods of high heat and stress.
How To Fertilize
Fertilize your American Sycamore tree in early spring, as your tree breaks dormancy.
How To Prune
The best time to prune your American Sycamore is in late winter. Pruning may not be required, but any crossed branching should be removed.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
