Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Description

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Sycamore fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Sycamore description

The sycamore is a well-known tree, thought to have been introduced to Britain from Europe in the 15th or 16th Century ⁽³⁾. The domed crown is often broader than it is tall, as it can become very widely spread. The bark is grey and fissured, forming rectangular plates; orange patches may be revealed as these plates peels away. The dark green five-lobed leaves turn a deep golden-yellow colour in autumn ⁽⁴⁾. Both the shape and size of the leaves vary with the age of the tree ⁽²⁾. During April, many yellowish flowers grow in narrow, drooping heads ⁽²⁾. The paired, winged fruits are known to children as 'helicopters' in England because of their propeller-like path of descent ⁽³⁾.

Size

Height: up to 35 m ⁽²⁾

Sycamore biology

The sycamore flowers in April, shortly after the leaves appear. The seeds ripen in autumn; their spiralling descent increases the time it takes for them to fall to the ground, and so maximises the chance that they will be dispersed further away from the parent tree in the wind ⁽⁴⁾. The maximum age of a sycamore is thought to be around 500 years ⁽⁴⁾. This species spreads very rapidly, quickly colonising new areas; it is removed from sensitive habitats by conservationists as it shades out native species. The tree is also notorious for producing a mucus-like slime as the leaves decompose, creating menacing conditions on footpaths, and bringing trains to a standstill. However, the leaves decompose rapidly and are now known to give a 'boost' to earthworm numbers. Furthermore, in urban areas, sycamores are often the only source of insect food (chiefly aphids) for birds such as house martens (Delichon urbica) ⁽³⁾.

Although it is not a native species, the sycamore has become a firmly established feature of many local cultures, as well as emblems of certain places. In Wales, clogs and love-spoons are fashioned from sycamore wood, harvest cakes were baked upon sycamore leaves in the West-country, and sycamores are often one of the first trees a child learns to recognise, by virtue of the 'helicopter' seeds. There are also many 'landmark' sycamores around the country, the most famous of which is the Martyrs' Tree on Tolpuddle Green in Dorset. In the 1830s, the Tolpuddle Martyrs formed the first agricultural trade union at meetings held beneath this famous tree; they were deported to Australia, as meetings of this kind were illegal at that time. The tree still survives, and is currently cared for by the Trades Union Congress ⁽³⁾.

Sycamore range

The sycamore is native to central and southern Europe. It was introduced to Britain, where it was popular in parks and walkways for its shade-giving properties ⁽²⁾. It has since become naturalised, and is widespread ⁽³⁾.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Sycamore habitat

In its native range, this tree occurs in woods and hedgerows. It is an extremely robust species, and in Britain thrives in many habitats, even in city parks, and by the coast where native trees become stunted ⁽⁴⁾.

Sycamore status

Widespread and common ⁽²⁾.

Sycamore threats

This tree is not threatened.

Sycamore conservation

Conservation action has not been targeted at this introduced species.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Find out more

For more on British trees see:
http://www.british-trees.com/
and The Tree Council:
http://www.treecouncil.org.uk

Authentication

References

1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (Feb 2003): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
2. Humphries. C.J., Press, J.R. & Sutton, D.A. (2000) Hamlyn guide to trees of Britain and Europe. Hamlyn, London.
3. Mabey, R. (1996) Flora Britannica. Sinclair-Stevenson, London.
4. Godet, J. (1986) Collins photographic key to the trees of Britain and northern Europe: a guide to identification by leaves and needles. William Collins and Sons & Co Ltd, London.