Acer pseudoplatanus

Acer pseudoplatanus, known as Sycamore to most, is the native tree we love to hate!  Sycamore has been long naturalised in Britain, providing a staple back drop to many estates, parklands and hedgerows throughout the country. 

The large, lobed Maple like leaves sometimes aid it to conceal itself as a less contrived variety of tree, however when the distinctive double winged samara (keys or helicopters) are produced it struggles to hide its identify from the masses any further!

Acer pseudoplatanus is an extremely fast growing tree for the first 20 years of its life and can reach heights of above 20m.  The stigma attached to planting Sycamore is related to its propensity to self-seed and indeed its vigour to ensure that it will prevail, come what may!  For this reason, this tree will thrive in almost any conditions that it is subjected to; direct sunlight, exposed conditions, salt laden wind and poor soil.

There are very few species to choose from when selecting trees for coastal conditions and for this quality alone Sycamore proves its worth as one of the UKs most durable trees. There are many clones of Acer pseudoplatanus available, from smaller growing, regular shaped varieties such as Negenia, to the varying foliage colours of Spaethii, Leopoldii and Worleii. 

For exposed sites that need specimen trees with colour and interest, look no further than the Sycamore varieties and please don’t let the stigma of this native beauty get the better of you.

As a word of caution, recent research has identified the foliage and samara of Sycamore to be poisonous to horses and therefore they should not be planted in and around paddocks.

Mature height: 20m+