Contents
Description
Platanus Racemosa, commonly known as California sycamore, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Platanaceae. It is native to California and can be found growing in riparian woodlands, canyons, and valleys. This tree can reach a height of 60-100 feet and a spread of 30-50 feet. The bark of the California sycamore is smooth and white, but it becomes patchy and scaly as the tree ages.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Platanaceae |
| Genus | Platanus |
Appearance
The California sycamore has large, lobed leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long and wide. The leaves are green and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by round, brown fruit clusters that hang on the tree throughout the winter. The California sycamore is a fast-growing tree that can reach maturity in 20-30 years.
Care Guide
To care for a California sycamore, it is important to provide it with plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months. The tree prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The California sycamore prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California sycamore is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and sycamore lace bug. Anthracnose can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback, while powdery mildew can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Sycamore lace bug can cause yellowing of the leaves and premature leaf drop.
Habitat
The California sycamore is native to California and can be found growing in riparian woodlands, canyons, and valleys. It is often found growing near streams and rivers and can tolerate periodic flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the California sycamore a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the California sycamore is a fast-growing tree that can reach maturity in 20-30 years.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in the California sycamore?
A: The California sycamore is susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, and sycamore lace bug.
Q: Does the California sycamore prefer full sun or shade?
A: The California sycamore prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the California sycamore?
A: The California sycamore is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
- Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane)
- Platanus x acerifolia (London plane)
References
- “Platanus racemosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 9 September 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285309&isprofile=0&pt=2>.
- “California Sycamore.” San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. Accessed 9 September 2021. <https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/plants/california-sycamore>.
- “Platanus racemosa.” UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. Accessed 9 September 2021. <https://ccmg.ucanr.edu/Plant_of_the_Month/Platanus_racemosa/>.
