The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), also known as American planetree, buttonwood, and water beech, is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, northeastern Mexico, and parts of southern Canada. It is one of the largest and longest-lived hardwood trees in North America, often surviving for 200 to 600 years. Typically reaching heights of 98 to 131 feet, the tallest specimens can grow up to 174 feet, with trunks up to 13 feet in diameter. The species is known for its distinctive mottled bark, which flakes off in irregular patches, revealing a mix of gray, greenish-white, and brown. Identification Features: American Sycamores have broad, lobed leaves that are 4 to 9 inches long, with three to five lobes and a toothed or undulating margin. The leaves are bright green above and paler underneath, turning brown and withering before falling in autumn. The tree produces large, sticky buds within the petiole base of the leaves, and the bark is dark reddish-brown and scaly near the base, becoming smooth and light gray higher up. The winter buds are large, sticky, and green, forming within the petiole of the full-grown leaf. Flowers and Fruit: The tree is monoecious, producing male and female flowers on the same tree. The staminate (male) flowers are dark red, while the pistillate (female) flowers are light green with red tinges. The fruit is a round, brown head about 1 inch in diameter, consisting of numerous achenes with small, pale hairs. These fruits persist through winter and are dispersed by wind. Growth and Habitat: American Sycamores are commonly found in riparian and wetland areas, thriving in moist bottomlands and floodplains with ample groundwater. They are often considered a pioneer species, growing quickly and maturing early in life. Sycamores play a crucial role in their habitats, providing structure with their large size and forming hollow trunks that serve as nesting sites for various animals, including wood ducks, owls, bats, and even black bears. Ecological and Historical Significance: American Sycamore trees are a key component in wetland and bottomland ecosystems, often dominating these areas due to their rapid growth and ability to thrive in moist environments. The heartwood decays quickly, creating hollow cavities that provide shelter for numerous wildlife species. Historically, Native Americans used the tree’s bark to make dishes for gathering. Uses and Distribution: The wood of the American Sycamore is light brown with a reddish tinge, heavy, and somewhat difficult to split, often used for furniture, interior finishes, and butcher's blocks. It is found from Ontario and New Hampshire in the north, to Texas and Florida in the south, and west to Nebraska. The tree has also been introduced to regions outside its native range, such as Argentina and Australia, where it has become naturalized.