Sycamore

Massive Native Shade Tree with Unique Exfoliating Bark

Plant one of North America’s largest native shade trees and create long-term landscape impact.

The Sycamore is a fast-growing native hardwood known for its striking exfoliating bark, large canopy, and strong presence in open landscapes. Its mottled bark peels to reveal shades of white, gray, and tan, giving this tree year-round visual interest — especially in winter.

Our Sycamore trees are healthy, container-grown stock, approximately 3–4 feet tall in a 3 gallon pot, ready to establish quickly once planted.

Why This Tree Is a Smart Investment

✔ Extremely fast-growing shade tree
✔ Unique peeling bark for year-round interest
✔ One of the largest native hardwoods in North America
✔ Excellent for farms, acreages, and large properties
✔ Very adaptable to different soil conditions

Ideal for customers looking to create bold, long-term shade and natural character.

Size You Receive

Height: Approx. 3–4 ft tall
Container: 3 Gallon Trade Pot

Healthy, nursery-grown stock. Ready for spring or fall planting. Young container trees establish quickly and adapt well to new planting sites.

What Your Sycamore Will Become

Over time, your Sycamore will develop into a massive, broad shade tree with an impressive trunk and signature patchy bark. Mature trees provide extensive cooling shade and become a standout feature in large landscapes.

Tree Specifications

Botanical Name: Platanus occidentalis
Common Name: American Sycamore
Tree Type: Deciduous shade tree
Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type: Adaptable — moist, well-drained, wet, and slightly acidic soils
Ease of Growth: Easy — vigorous and adaptable once established
Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates variation

Growth & Mature Size

Growth Rate: Fast (often more than 2 feet per year)

Mature Height: 40–100 ft
Mature Width: 40–70 ft
Growth Form: Large, rounded canopy

Best planted in large open spaces where it has plenty of room to mature naturally.

Simple Planting & Care

1️⃣ Plant in full sun or light partial shade
2️⃣ Choose a location with plenty of room for future growth
3️⃣ Water regularly during the first growing season
4️⃣ Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture

Sycamore performs best in open areas with good airflow and space to expand.

Nursery Quality

- Container-grown for easier planting and establishment
- Healthy young trees selected for strong root development
- Locally grown stock suited to Ontario conditions

Perfect For

- Large residential properties
- Farms and rural landscapes
- Naturalized plantings
- Shade for open spaces
- Long-term landscape planning
- Locally grown stock suited to Ontario conditions

Best Trees That Pair Well with Sycamore

Norway Spruce — Best Overall

Why it works:

- Strong pyramidal shape contrasts with broad Sycamore canopy
- Dark evergreen colour highlights the light, mottled bark
- Adds winter structure while Sycamore is leafless
- Feels balanced and intentional in large landscapes
- This combo looks like a professional landscape design.

Eastern White Cedar — Structure and Practicality

Why it works:

- Vertical growth works well beside a spreading tree
- Adds year-round greenery and privacy
- Doesn’t visually compete with Sycamore’s massive canopy
- Great pairing for homeowners thinking long-term.

Blue Spruce (Colorado Blue Spruce) — Colour Contrast

Why it works:

- Blue needles contrast nicely with green sycamore foliage
- Strong evergreen form adds design structure
- Slower growth helps balance Sycamore’s speed
- Makes the planting feel more designed and premium.

Red Oak — Long Term Hardwood Balance

Why it works:

- Similar large-scale landscape use
- Different branching structure adds variety
- Oak becomes a slower, long-term anchor while Sycamore grows faster
- Perfect for larger properties or farms.