226 THE BOOK OF FORESTRY 
SYCAMORE 
The sycamore or buttonwood tree while of compara- 
tively little importance as a timber tree is nevertheless 
quite common and its unusual mottled or piebald bark 
makes it much more noticeable than it might be other- 
wise. It is said to be the tallest and most massive of 
the broadleaved trees of North America. There are 
three native sycamores while the European species is 
also extensively planted as a shade tree. 
SYCAMCRE OR BUTTONWOOD 
Platanus occidentalis 
Bark 
Thin, the outer layers shedding from 
time to time, laying bare the thin 
light green or whitish under bark. 
LEAVES 
Broadly lobed, 4’’-7” long and oval, 
wavy edge with small points. 
Froir 
Very distinctive, a head or ball about 
1 inch in diameter containing many 
seeds. 
RaNnGE 
Borders of streams and lakes; South- 
ern New Hampshire to Kansas, 
Florida and Texas. 
