Acer pseudoplatanus

Seen throughout England among hedgerows, rural landscapes and urban inner cities, Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the Sycamore, is the bio-diverse backbone to our landscape. It can grow up to 25m and have a long life-span; the solitary Sycamore at the heart of Sycamore Gap stood for 300 years.

Able to survive and thrive in almost all conditions, the sycamore provides limitless solutions to planting requirements. It is particularly useful as a coastal tree, capable of tolerating salt winds and exposure. This also allows its use as an amenity tree along roadsides where heavy salt spreading is common during the winter. Because of its strength in exposed locations, it can be planted as a shelterbelt to allow other species to develop.

Sycamores self-seed vigorously and during the spring the seeds can germinate en masse. This can provide additional benefits but should be taken into account when planning tree locations. The foliage has also been found to be poisonous to horses, so should not be planted close to paddocks or equestrian locations.

When planted in urban locations, sycamore trees provide needed support to a diverse range of wildlife. Over time this tree will mature into the landscape, becoming a strong, dignified presence.