Sycamore trees are versatile trees that grow in the eastern United States through parts of the south and into Texas. They grow in urban areas, but they prefer riverbanks, streams, and rich lowlands. Along riverbanks is where you will find the most magnificent examples of mature Sycamores. They are abundant in Great Falls park on either side of the river or along the C & O Canal.

The sycamore’s most easily detectable characteristic is its mottled bark.  The bark pulls off in various sized sheets. When it peels away like puzzle pieces, it reveals various shades of yellow, white, and green underneath in variety of patterns. Bark starts looking like regular bark. As the tree ages, the outer layers shed. The top branches of mature trees are white.

Sycamore Leaves

Sycamore leaves are alternate on the stem. These big trees have large leaves that are 4-9" wide. Edges are distinctly saw toothed.  Three to 5 lobes are characteristic as well as a smooth leaf surface.  The top side is a bright green and the underside is slightly lighter in color. Leaf veins have an interesting pattern and all veins don’t originate from a central vein.

Sycamore Seeds & Flowers

Sycamore trees produce a 1' ball like seed that hangs from a stem just like a leaf. They eventually shatter and produce the fluff similar to a dandelion. The fluff disperses the seed in the spring. They also produce male and female flowers, which supposedly are inconspicuous. I guess that is why I have never seen them, and I don't have any photos. The male flowers are green, and the red female flowers are on the same tree.

Growth Patterns

Sycamore trees live to about 5-6 hundred years old. They are one of the largest native trees with recorded trunk diameters of 10' at 4' off the ground. In lowland areas, they grow straighter trunks that reach for the sunlight. On the banks of rivers and streams where there is light and room, their characteristic branch pattern is more evident.

References:

The Morton Arboretum

ETSU Arboretum