Sycamore Maple
acer pseudoplatanus
Also known as: ["Great Maple","Alder Maple"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to Central Europe, known for its broad, maple-like leaves and winged seeds.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer pseudoplatanus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers sheltered locations from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; focus on selective branch removal rather than heavy reduction.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid leaf scorch; provide dappled shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in intense sun; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 80°F; prefers cool roots and moderate air temperatures.
Protect from late spring frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; monitor for temperature-related leaf changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization which can burn roots; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
- For seeds, collect, stratify, sow, keep moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light for cuttings; cooler temperatures (40–50°F) for seed stratification.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several weeks to months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; heading cuts to shorten branches for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve structure and air circulation; shape as needed for aesthetic or space management.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant (bleach solution).
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, make clean cuts, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts for container-grown trees.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Remove the tree carefully, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix, water thoroughly, and place in a shaded area for recovery.
Suggestions
Repot only if the tree is container-grown and becomes root-bound; field-grown trees are typically not repotted.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water well, provide recovery time.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; young or newly planted trees are more vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Leaf edges may brown or curl; leaves may drop; growth may cease during heatwaves.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; water deeply to cool roots; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use appropriate fertilizer, apply at recommended rate, water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest sycamore seeds or leaves. The shikimic acid in these parts can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of sycamore seeds and leaves may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of shikimic acid. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as sycamore, contains shikimic acid in its seeds and leaves, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Sycamore Maple suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is highly adaptable to urban conditions and can tolerate pollution.
Q: Does the Sycamore Maple produce edible fruits?
A: No, its fruits (samaras) are not typically consumed by humans.
Q: How fast does the Sycamore Maple grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining 1–2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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