Acer pseudoplatanus
sycamore
A large, fast-growing, resilient, deciduous tree with dark green, five-lobed leaves 10-20cm long. Yellow-green, catkin-like flowers in spring are followed by bunches of green, winged fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NW to C Europe, Italy, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best as a specimen tree in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but can tolerate almost any conditions, and may become a weed in some situations. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and scale insects, including horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
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