Acer pseudoplatanus
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Acer pseudoplatanus

افرا شبه چنار · Sycamore maple · Sycamore · Great Maple · Plane

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
2,841
Observations
19,836

Description

Source: leafsnap

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the Sycamore Maple, is a deciduous tree native to central and southern Europe. It can grow up to 35 meters tall and features a broad, spreading crown with a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are large, palmate, and have five sharply pointed lobes. They turn yellow in the autumn before falling off. The bark of the Sycamore Maple is smooth when young but becomes rougher with age, developing deep furrows and ridges. In spring, the tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers, which are followed by winged seeds known as samaras. Sycamore Maples prefer moist soils but can tolerate drought conditions once established. They grow well in full sun or partial shade and are commonly used for ornamental purposes due to their attractive foliage. The wood of Acer pseudoplatanus is hard, strong, and durable, and has been used for furniture making since ancient times due to its beautiful grain patterns. Overall, Acer pseudoplatanus is an attractive tree species that provides shade during hot summers. Its valuable wood properties make it an important species both ecologically and economically.

💡 The sycamore is an exceptionally cold-hardy tree, capable of withstanding wind, atmospheric pollution, and salt spray. This makes it ideal for planting along roads treated with salt during the winter months. Originally from northern Europe, the sycamore's range has extended as far as Tromsø in Norway, Reykjavík in Iceland, and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.

🌳 Aside from its established value for timber and ornamental use, sycamore leaves have a fascinating, lesser-known role as bioindicators of air pollution. Their capacity to trap pollutants makes sycamore trees beneficial in urban planning aimed at improving air quality. The tree also yields a natural dye: historical accounts indicate its leaves were boiled to produce a greenish-brown dye employed in textiles.

🎭 Fortune-telling, Affection, Reticence, Withdrawal, Brings together

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Sycamore trees flourish in temperate climates with moderate moisture and can withstand brief dry periods. To prevent over-saturation, water them every two weeks. Typically grown outdoors, sycamore trees are deciduous, meaning their water requirements decrease during the dormant colder months.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water my Sycamore tree?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying water directly on the leaves. If the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more water. You can use bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots of each plant. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to help the roots grow deeply. After watering, drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Water at ground level to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Regardless of whether the plant is potted or in the ground, remember that Sycamore trees prefer deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What should I do if I give Sycamore tree too much or too little water?

An overwatered Sycamore can show signs of yellowing, wilting, and dropping leaves. The plant may also look unhealthy with mushy stems. To address these signs, it's recommended to adjust your watering schedule as needed. Wilting can also indicate under watering, with leaves becoming crispy and dry. To address this, check the soil for dryness and give the plant a thorough watering if necessary. However, even with enough water, the Sycamore may continue to have yellow, dry leaves due to a damaged root system. Once the plant recovers, the yellowing will stop. When growing Sycamore indoors, regularly check moisture levels and avoid overwatering. Look out for black spots and allow the soil to dry out if present. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so consider transferring the plant to a different pot if discolored and slimy roots are observed. Ensure the soil doesn't become too soggy to prevent root rot. When planting Sycamore outdoors, check the soil moisture by digging a little deeper with your fingers. If the soil is too dry, it may indicate under watering, requiring adequate watering to help the plant recover.

How often do I need to water my Sycamore tree?

The Sycamore tree prefers deep and infrequent watering. If it is planted in a pot, make sure to soak it in a gallon of water each time, as pots have limited water storage and the soil dries out quickly. In cold regions, water the tree every 3 to 5 days. Water it early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors. To determine if watering is needed, check the soil inside the pot – if the top 2-3 inches are dry, it's time for a full watering. On hot days, check the soil moisture daily as heat can quickly dry it out. If you have a garden, you'll need to irrigate the soil as well. In hot climates, water the tree once a week when you notice the top 2-3 inches of soil becoming too dry. Be mindful of rainfall – if there is a lot of rain, you may not need to water the plant further to avoid root rot. During spring and fall, when the Sycamore is outdoors, add mulch that is 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve water. Sandy soil drains faster, so water plants in sandy soil more frequently. In contrast, clay soil requires less frequent watering – you could wait 2-3 days for the plant to dry before watering again to prevent root rot. Keep track of watering dates on a calendar and watch for drooping leaves, as this could indicate that you are overdue for watering.

How much water does my Sycamore tree need?

The Sycamore tree typically requires about a gallon of water on a regular basis. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering again. To determine the weekly amount of water you've given your plant, you can use a water calculator or a moisture meter. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to avoid root rot. If you have an outdoor Sycamore tree and it receives sufficient rainfall, it may not need extra watering. However, when the Sycamore tree is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the Sycamore tree grows, it can rely on rainfall alone. Only water the Sycamore tree during very hot weather or if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks. During these times, water the tree fully during cooler parts of the day to protect it from heat damage. Extra watering may also be needed during extended dry periods.

Do I need to change how often I water my Sycamore tree depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Sycamore tree should be watered primarily by rain, only requiring additional watering during persistent dry periods. During the spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy, with alternating dry and moist conditions being beneficial for growth. In the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate quickly, so more frequent watering may be necessary if there is little rainfall. In winter, the Sycamore tree needs less water as it goes dormant and loses its leaves. Well-draining soil like terracotta can help moisture evaporate faster during this period. Once the Sycamore starts leafing out in the spring and going dormant, watering can be skipped and the tree can rely on fall and winter rains. Good drainage is essential to avoid ponding or drought, especially in winter. When the Sycamore is in a pot, it has limited root growth, so regular watering, especially in summer, is important. Avoid cold, wet roots by providing adequate drainage, particularly if the tree is still growing. Deep soaking of the entire root system once or twice a week is recommended, avoiding shallow sprinkles that reach the leaves. Even in dormancy, the Sycamore should not be allowed to dry out completely in the fall or winter. Overwatering should also be avoided, as the tree does not tolerate sitting in water for extended periods, which can be fatal during winter. Mulching is beneficial to reduce stress, save water, and promote healthy blooming.

☀️ Light Full sun

The sycamore does best when it gets abundant sunlight each day, although it can still grow well in places where sun and shade alternate. Native to bright habitats, the sycamore may show stunted growth or leaf discoloration if it experiences a lack of sunlight.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for a Sycamore plant?

The Sycamore thrives in environments that offer substantial amounts of sunlight each day but can also grow well in areas where sunlight is mixed with shade. It originates from light-rich environments, and a lack of sufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth or discolored leaves. Full sun exposure is described as receiving more than 6 hours of sunlight per day, and partial sun exposure is about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden to find the ideal balance of light and shade is crucial for the health of your plants.

What are the artificial lighting requirements for indoor Sycamore plants?

When natural sunlight is insufficient for indoor Sycamore plants, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting becomes essential for optimal growth. It's recommended to use LED lights, which can provide specific wavelengths needed for plant growth. The requirements for artificial light intensity vary: full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, ensuring plants receive 8-12 hours of light per day.

What are common symptoms of light deficiency in Sycamore plants?

Sycamore plants may show several symptoms when subjected to inadequate light, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. These symptoms indicate a survival mode due to poor lighting, leading to delayed growth or significant health issues. Sycamores are also sensitive to excessive sunlight, which can cause chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching.

How can I address light deficiency in my Sycamore plants?

To mitigate light deficiency in Sycamores, gradually move plants to sunnier locations, ensuring they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, using a south-facing window and keeping curtains open during the day, or providing artificial light for at least 8 hours daily can help. For outdoor plants, it's crucial to avoid sudden changes in light intensity to prevent sunburn. Removing obstructions like tree branches or transplanting to sunnier spots can also improve sunlight exposure. Note that parts of the plant affected by lack of sunlight may not recover, but new growth following increased light exposure will be healthy.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Sycamore is native to regions where temperatures generally range from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 ℃). It ideally favors the lower end of that range. In hotter seasons, it may need additional watering and shade to replicate its native, cooler climate.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
FAQ
What are the ideal temperature conditions for a Sycamore tree?

Sycamore trees are native to environments with temperatures typically ranging from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C), with a preference for the lower end of this temperature spectrum. They have strong cold resistance, making special frost protection measures usually unnecessary during winter. Nonetheless, in regions where winter temperatures are expected to drop below -25°C, providing cold protection by wrapping the trunk and branches with non-woven fabric or cloth is advisable. It's also recommended to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn to ensure the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state, aiding in the prevention of drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.

How should you care for a Sycamore tree during low temperatures?

Sycamore trees are cold-tolerant and thrive best when the temperature is above 5°C. It's important to ensure the tree is kept above -20°C during the winter to prevent damage. While the tree may not show visible changes when temperatures fall below -25°C during winter, the branches can become brittle and dry by spring, with no new shoots emerging. In spring, it's advisable to prune away any dead branches that have failed to produce new leaves as a solution to cold weather stress.

How should you care for a Sycamore tree during high temperatures?

In high temperatures, specifically during the summer when it's best to keep the Sycamore below 35°C, the tree may exhibit signs of stress such as leaves becoming lighter in color, tips drying and withering, and increased susceptibility to sunburn if temperatures exceed 38°C. To mitigate these issues, trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Moving the plant to a location that provides shade during the midday and afternoon or using a shade cloth can offer protection. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps keep the soil moist and reduces heat stress.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Sycamore in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves its overall health, producing vigorous growth, greater resilience to difficult conditions, and increased resistance to diseases and pests. Stick to a specific fertilization schedule for your Sycamore to maintain vibrant foliage with deep color and a lush appearance.

FAQ
Why do I have to put fertilizer on my Sycamore tree?

No matter what type of Sycamore tree you have, regular fertilization is important for its overall health. Supplying the right nutrients helps the tree grow stronger, withstand tough conditions, and fight off diseases and pests. The foliage of your Sycamore is a key feature, so it's important to maintain it. This involves following a regular fertilization schedule specific to your tree, which will result in vibrant leaves and a lush appearance.

When should I put fertilizer on my Sycamore tree?

To ensure the healthy growth of your Sycamore tree, it is recommended to fertilize it for the first time in late winter or early spring. This supplies the necessary nutrients for the tree to flourish once the weather becomes warmer. Additionally, if you reside in a warm climate area, providing an extra fertilizer feeding during early fall is beneficial. This helps add more nutrients to the soil, which will be utilized by the Sycamore in the upcoming growing season. It also enhances the tree's resilience, enabling it to withstand the winter cold without sustaining any damage to its foliage. By fertilizing earlier, the new branches will have ample time to develop and become sturdy enough to endure the harsh winter conditions.

When is the best time to not fertilize my Sycamore tree?

There are specific times of the year when you should avoid fertilizing your Sycamore tree. The first period is in the early and mid-winter months when the tree is dormant and doesn't require any nutrients. Similarly, it is not recommended to fertilize the tree in the late spring and throughout the summer due to the hotter and drier weather conditions. Fertilizing during these times can have adverse effects on the Sycamore. To avoid any negative outcomes, it is best to follow a fertilization schedule that involves feeding the tree only in early spring and early fall.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Sycamore tree?

Sycamore trees primarily require nitrogen as their most essential nutrient. However, this does not mean that phosphorus and potassium are unimportant. In fact, a Sycamore tree needs a decent amount of all three main nutrients for optimal growth. Thus, using a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 can be effective. Nonetheless, a more refined nutrient ratio can often lead to better growth. For instance, a slightly higher nitrogen ratio like 10-6-4 is often effective. When fertilizing, you have the option to use either granular or liquid-based fertilizer.

How can I make my Sycamore tree healthier with fertilizer?

To fertilize your Sycamore tree, you can choose between using a granular or liquid fertilizer. With a granular fertilizer, simply sprinkle it onto the soil at the right time, and its slow-release nature will gradually release nutrients. Before applying any fertilizer, it's generally a good idea to water your Sycamore tree beforehand. If you prefer a liquid fertilizer, mix it with water and pour the mixture around the base of the tree. Performing a soil test beforehand can also be helpful to determine if any adjustments to the pH are necessary.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

Sycamore trees are fast-growing and deciduous, featuring broad leaves that resemble those of a maple. To promote better air circulation and overall health, it's important to prune them in early spring. Focus on removing any dead or crowded branches. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools to minimize damage and encourage the tree to heal properly.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Acer pseudoplatanus is a non-toxic plant and is insensitive to humans and animals. It is used for making furniture, joinery, paper production, and firewood. It is also good for flooring.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Acer
Family
Sapindaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
20.12 m to 35.05 m
Mature Spread
14.94 m
Leaf Color
Green, Yellow
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Green, Yellow
Flower Size
7.62 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Montenegro, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Albania, Romania, Belgium, Moldova, Portugal

Tags (14)

Common Names (17)

ar افرا شبه چنار
en Sycamore maple
en Sycamore
en Great Maple
en Plane
en Scottish maple
en False planetree
en Mock-plane-tree
en Common sycamore
en Plane maple
en Lock-and-key-tree
en Plane Tree
en Sycamore [tree]
en Red maple?
en Dağ akçaağacı
en Paltin de pădure
he אדר דולבני