This large tree has an upright trunk with grey brown to creamy flaky bark and spreading branches that form a rounded crown. The large bright green leaves have 3-lobes and the male and female flowers appear in spring and followed by persistent fruit.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9

Platanus occidentalisis naturally found from Canada to eastern North America and north-east Mexico. It is the largest broadleaved tree in North America.

It prefers a well-drained fertile deep moist fibrous loam that is rich and organic in a open sunny position and is drought tender but frost resistant.

The American Sycamore is a large tree that is grown for its attractive habit and its timber. It is planted in large gardens or parks as a lawn specimen for shade. It is also grown as a forest tree in south western USA producing excellent timber with interlocking grain.It has rapid growth at first establishing to 13m (42ft) within ten years and may become massive, but under cultivation it tends to be much smaller. ID 1619

Note:
It is difficult to cultivate in Great Britain preferring well-drained deep moist rich loams with cold winters and hot summers.

Platanus(PLĂ-ta-nus) occidentalis(ok-si-DEN-ta`-les)

Platanaceae (PLAT-an-AY-see-ee)