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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Platanus racemosa Nutt.
California sycamore, Western sycamore
Platanaceae (Planetree Family)
USDA Symbol: PLRA
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Tree with enlarged base, stout trunk, often branched near base, and broad, irregular, open crown of thick, spreading branches. The California sycamore is a 75 ft., deciduous tree that will grow 15-20 ft. in the first 5-10 years. The main trunk often divides into ascending or almost prostrate secondary stems, and the thick, contorted branches form a majestic, irregular, open crown. The mottled white bark and deeply five-lobed leaves with moderate fall color are attractive features.
Common in the valleys of California, it is also a shade and ornamental tree. Giant trees with massive, barrel-shaped trunks often lean and fork into picturesque shapes. The champion, at Santa Barbara, California, when measured in 1945, was 116 (35.4 m) high, 27 (8.2 m) in trunk circumference, and 158 (48.2 m) in crown spread. The mottled bark and coarse, light green foliage are distinctive.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: C. & s. CA; adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Stream banks below 4000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Propagation
Description: Propagation by seed is possible.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Cool-moist stratification for 30-90 days at 40 degrees in sand, peat, or sandy loam enhances germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Platanus racemosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Platanus racemosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Platanus racemosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-20Research By: TWC Staff
