Acer pseudoplatanus
Aceraceae
Late April to June
It is found throughout the country.
See the BSBI distributionmmap for Sycamore
Sycamore is a neophyte which was introduced into England
in the 1500s and has been naturalised since the 1630s.
It has been widely planted in forests, woods, parks. estates
and large gardens, and alongside roads.
In the wild it grows from seeds in a wide range of habitats.
The winged seeds get everywhere and, in my experience,
make a significant contribution to the blocking of roof
gutters and drains.
It is a large, spreading deciduous tree reaching 35m.
The flowers are in yellow green hanging panicles (5-20cm).
Petals and sepals are small and greeny yellow.
Male flowers have 8 stamens.
Female flowers are on the same panicles and are only
visible when the fruits begin to form.
Styles have curled stigmas.
The wings of the seeds curve downwards.
Leaves are large (7-16cm), 5 lobed and cut to almost
half-way.
Older leaves often have black blobs caused by the Tar Spot
fungus, Rhytisma acerimun.
Petioles are usually red.
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Sycamore in pendulous spikes (panicles)
Sycamore panicles
Close up of flowers - stamens
Male flower - 8 stamens
Female flowers forming fruits, styles with curled stigmas
Newly-forming fruit
Mature winged fruits - September
Leaves in spring
Older leaves infected with Rhytisma acerinum
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