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SYCAMORE {Platanus occidentalis L.) 



THE sycamore, also called buttonwood, is con- 

 sidered the largest hardwood tree in North 

 America. It occurs throughout the State but is 

 most abundant and reaches its largest size along 

 streams and on rich bottomlands. It is one of the 

 more rapid-growing trees. In maturity it occasion- 

 ally attains a height of 140 to 170 feet and a diame- 



STCAMORE 



Leaf, one-third 

 natural size. 



Twig one-half 

 natural size. 



ter of 10 to 11 feet. It often forks into several 

 large secondary trunks, and the massive spreading 

 limbs form an open head sometimes 100 feet across. 



The bark of the sycamore is a characteristic fea- 

 ture. On the younger trunk and large limbs it is 

 very smooth, greenish gray in color. The outer 

 bark yearly flakes off in large patches and exposes 

 the nearly white younger bark. Near the base of 

 old trees the bark becomes thick, dark brown and 

 divided by deep furrows. 



The leaves are simple, alternate, 4 to 7 inches 

 long and about as broad, light green and smooth 

 above, and paler below. The base of the leafstalk is 

 hollow and in falling oflf exposes the winter bud. 

 The fruit is a ball about 1 inch in diameter, con- 

 spicuous throughout the winter as it hangs on its 

 flexible stem, which is 3 to 5 inches long. During 

 early spring the fruit ball breaks up, and the smaU 

 seeds are widely scattered by the wind. 



The wood is hard and moderately strong, biit 

 decays rapidly in the ground. It is used for 

 butchers' blocks, tobacco boxes, furniture and in- 

 terior finish. 



The European sycamore, or planetree, is less sub- 

 ject to disease than our species and has been Avidely 

 planted in this country for ornament and shade. 



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