California Sycamore
Platanus racemosa
Care
full sun
moderate
deep moist soils; tolerates clay and seasonal flooding
30–80ft tall , 30–50ft wide
Deciduous
Resistant
California riparian corridors from Sacramento Valley to Baja California
Inconspicuous ball-shaped flower clusters
White mottled bark; massive trunk; needs space; excellent shade tree
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your California Sycamore in full sun with plenty of space - this tree grows 30 to 80 feet tall and up to 50 feet wide, so give it room away from structures and power lines. It tolerates clay and sandy soils and actually does fine in seasonally wet conditions, so drainage isn't a dealbreaker, but it thrives in deep, moist soils. Plant in fall or winter when the tree is dormant to help it establish before summer heat.
After Planting
Water regularly during your tree's first growing season to keep the soil consistently moist; this is critical since sycamores naturally grow near streams and need reliable water to thrive. Once established, you can back off to watering just once a month in summer. The biggest mistake people make is underwatering - treat it like a tree that remembers its riparian home, and it'll reward you with those beautiful peeling bark and fall color without much fuss.
Visit Calscape for more information about California Sycamore
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Cavity nester; utilizes large hollow cavities for breeding Jan-Aug, yearlong shelter
Cavity excavator and nester; also uses for foraging and shelter
Cavity nester; breeds in sycamore woodlands Apr-Jul
Nests in large sycamores along streams and riparian corridors Feb-Aug
Roosts and nests in large sycamores; utilizes for communal roosting sites
Forages on sycamore seeds and seed fluff; uses as nesting material
Gleans insects from foliage during fall/winter migration and overwintering in riparian habitat
Forages for insects in foliage during breeding season Apr-Aug
+3 more species
Insects
Multiple lepidopteran species depend on sycamore foliage for larval development
Primary larval host plant; caterpillars feed on young foliage April-July
Larval host; caterpillars utilize sycamore foliage in riparian corridors
Parasitic plant that provides habitat structure and winter berries for birds
Sap feeder on foliage; can cause aesthetic damage but natural population control exists
Mammals
Utilizes cavities and dense canopy for den sites and shelter year-round