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Description
Acer Pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the Sycamore maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is a member of the maple family and is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The tree can grow up to 35 meters tall and has a broad, rounded crown. Its bark is grey-brown and develops deep grooves as it ages. The leaves of the Acer Pseudoplatanus are large and palmate, with five lobes that are sharply pointed. They turn a vibrant yellow in the autumn, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Acer Pseudoplatanus is a large tree with a broad, rounded crown. It can grow up to 35 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. The bark of the tree is grey-brown and develops deep grooves as it ages. The leaves of the Acer Pseudoplatanus are large and palmate, with five lobes that are sharply pointed. They are a bright green color in the summer and turn a vibrant yellow in the autumn. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in the spring, which are followed by winged fruits that are called samaras.
Care Guide
The Acer Pseudoplatanus is an easy tree to care for and requires little maintenance. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels. It should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The Acer Pseudoplatanus prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Acer Pseudoplatanus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that can cause leaf wilting and premature leaf drop. The tree can also be affected by aphids, which can cause leaf curling and distortion.
Habitat
The Acer Pseudoplatanus is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and riverbanks. It is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Acer Pseudoplatanus a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Acer Pseudoplatanus is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 2 meters per year.
Q: Does the Acer Pseudoplatanus produce sap?
A: Yes, the tree can produce sap, which can be used to make maple syrup.
Q: Can the Acer Pseudoplatanus be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended as it can grow quite large and requires a lot of space for its roots.
Q: Is the Acer Pseudoplatanus tolerant of pollution?
A: Yes, the tree is tolerant of pollution and is often planted in urban areas.
Related Plants
- Acer campestre (Field Maple)
- Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
- Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple)
References
- “Acer pseudoplatanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 27 September 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277396&isprofile=0&=&res=1280>
- “Acer pseudoplatanus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 27 September 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1750/Acer-pseudoplatanus/Details>
- “Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus).” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed 27 September 2021. <https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=878>
