California sycamore
platanus racemosa
Also known as: ["Western sycamore","California plane tree"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to California, known for its mottled bark and broad, lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Platanaceae |
| Genus: | Platanus |
| Botanical Name: | Platanus racemosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, spacious areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; for containers, use a cactus or succulent mix with added perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on plant size and health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days during dry periods, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries between waterings, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
deep, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil, amend with organic matter, ensure good drainage, check pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–95°F or 18–35°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Protect from frost, provide shade in extreme heat, maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root cuttings from mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium, take cuttings or sow seeds, apply rooting hormone if using cuttings, maintain humidity, and transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; for seeds, use a sterile seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks and take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, humidity dome or plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts, remove crossing branches, and thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune at correct time, remove dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and allow to drain.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose correct pot size, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, observe plant response.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates deeply, water in the morning, and allow excess to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure proper aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress, wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to dieback in severe cases.
Solution: Provide winter protection in cold climates, avoid planting in frost pockets, and mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and water demand increases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure soil moisture retention.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, apply at correct time, dilute as needed, avoid over-fertilization, observe plant response.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPlatanus racemosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to cats if ingested or if they come into contact with the plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPlatanus racemosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would cause harm if ingested or if the dog comes into contact with any part of the plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPlatanus racemosa, commonly known as the California sycamore, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the California sycamore grow?
A: It can grow up to 75 feet tall with a spread of 50 feet.
Q: Does it require much water?
A: It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
Q: Are the seeds of the California sycamore edible?
A: No, the seeds are not typically consumed by humans or animals.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Platanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days during dry p |
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