Q&A for How to Identify a Sycamore Tree

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What does a sycamore look like?

Michael Simpson, PhD
Registered Professional Biologist
Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry.

Michael Simpson, PhD

Registered Professional Biologist

Expert Answer

Well, that depends, given that different species are known by this name in different countries. In the UK, sycamore is the common name of Acer pseudoplatanus, a species of maple. In North America, however, sycamore is more commonly used in reference to Platanus species, or plane trees.

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Question

What are the different types of sycamore trees?

Michael Simpson, PhD
Registered Professional Biologist
Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry.

Michael Simpson, PhD

Registered Professional Biologist

Expert Answer

The American sycamore is large in size, has a flaky bark and dangling furry-looking spherical fruits. British sycamores can also be large in size and have bark that flakes off in scales as it ages but the fruits are different as they are flattish and winged.

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Question

What do sycamore tree leaves look like?

Michael Simpson, PhD
Registered Professional Biologist
Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry.

Michael Simpson, PhD

Registered Professional Biologist

Expert Answer

Leaves of both the american and british species are three-lobed, with each lobe having a pointed tip, but the spaces between lobes are deeper on the British sycamore and the leaves of that species are opposite along the stem, whereas those of the American sycamore alternate on different sides of the stem.

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Question

How can I identify a walnut tree?

Community Answer

You can crush a leaf and smell it, it will smell like walnut. You can also look around on the ground for walnuts. Walnut trees often grow in well-moisturized areas, so they often grow near rivers or maybe it's just that the ground is moist in that area. You can check for that as well.

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Does sycamore make good firewood?

Community Answer

Yes, it does. It is a softer wood than oak or hickory, therefor burns faster, so you will need more to sustain the winter months.

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Is Israel's sycamore tree much different from America's tree?

Community Answer

The Israeli tree has a slightly different leaf form and a trunk that is a little shorter.

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Is it easy for a person to climb a sycamore tree?

Community Answer

It will depend on how tall the tree is and how tall you are. You could use a ladder or rope to help you get up and, once you are up, the branches tend to be very thick so you will be able to sit on a branch or climb further. Be careful though, as the branches get thinner as you climb closer to the ends.

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