Acer pseudoplatanus — Sycamore

An early introduction, now fully naturalised and trying to take over the country. Originally grown particularly in upland areas for the excellent shelter it afforded. Young trees are rather ugly, but mature trees can be very impressive.

The opposite five-lobed leaves have numerous coarse teeth and have a rather rounded look to them compared with other large-leaved maples. Buds are large and green. The yellow-green flowers are unusual in that they hang downwards. The winged keys are at right angles to one another.

f. purpureum trees with purple foliage are frequent, but less common than the purple forms of acepls,Norway Maple.

f. variegatum trees have yellow-splashed leaves and there are a number of similar named clones such as ‘Simon-Louis Frères’ and ‘Leopoldii’.

Some trees (f. erythrocarpum) have fruit which ripens red rather than staying the normal green.

For similar trees see: Planes

 
 

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Copyright © 2007 Philip Brassett