Platanus racemosa
California sycamore · also Western sycamore, California plane tree, Aliso
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This large tree is known for its striking, mottled bark that peels away in patches. Its broad, spreading canopy provides ample shade, making it a popular choice for parks and urban landscapes. It is well-suited to California's climate, resilient to pollution, and able to thrive in various soil types, making it a versatile addition to urban environments.
Where it grows
Trees in each city's inventory, with the share of that city's named trees this species accounts for.
- 2,9130.62%35 yr18 in
- 2140.16%—6.0 in
- 20.01%—13 in
Traits
- Form
- Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Mature height
- 30–80 ft
- Canopy spread
- 20–50 ft
- Water needs
- High
- Drought tolerance
- Low
- Pollution tolerance
- High
- Wildlife value
- Moderate
- Blooms
- Mar, Apr, May
Trunk diameters across every city: median 18 in, mean 16 in, 90th percentile 30 in. Measured at breast height, as published by each inventory.
Native range
Terrestrial ecoregions where this species is native. Trees in the dataset mostly stand well outside it.
Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands & Scrub
- California coastal sage and chaparral
- California interior chaparral and woodlands
- California montane chaparral and woodlands
Temperate Conifer Forests
- Northern California coastal forests
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands
- California Central Valley grasslands
Deserts & Xeric Shrublands
- Baja California desert
Other Platanus in the catalogue
8 of the top 2,000 species are in this genus.
