Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore)

Acer pseudoplatanus

Price £ each (ex. VAT)
Height Age 25+ 100+ 500+
40-60cm 1+0 0.45 0.26 0.21
40-60cm 1+1 0.66 0.38 0.33
60-80cm 1+0 0.63 0.36 0.31
60-80cm 1+1 0.84 0.48 0.43
80-100cm 1+1 0.95 0.50 0.55


Delivery

Bareroot from November to April

Prices

The prices above are offered as a guide and may be subject to fluctuation dependant upon the time of season and supply. We recommend that contact is made with the office for larger orders, a quotation and to check availability Alternatively please contact us to enquire about opening a wholesale account.

Native to Europe but naturalised in Britain, the sycamore is a familiar sight in both town and countryside. A large fast-growing tree, it does well in even the most exposed and difficult situations and copes with urban pollution better than any other tree. In very exposed areas it is often planted as a shelter belt to allow more vulnerable species to become established. With great age, it takes on a dignified, impressive appearance.

Site and soil

Sycamore will grow well on even the poorest of soils. It tolerates coastal winds, town pollution, shade and very low temperatures.

Height and spread

After 10 years: 10m x 5m
After 20 years 15m x 8m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are palmate, 3 or 5 lobed with prominent veins and red leaf stems; young leaves are bronze, later becoming dark green. The bark is smooth and grey, but with age it breaks into plates revealing the paler buff and pink shades beneath, rather reminiscent of a plane tree.

Flower, seed and fruit

The greenish flowers open in April in drooping spikes and are followed by hanging winged fruits which often have reddish tints in summer.

Uses

Woodland, shelter belts, coppicing. The wood is very smooth and white and has traditionally been used for making violins, spoons, furniture and veneers.

Wildlife

The flowers provide early pollen for bumblebees, and a number of moths and other insects depend on the tree. Sycamore provides shelter and nesting and roosting sites where few other trees can survive.

Pruning

Coppicing should be carried out between Nov/Feb.