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Platanus wrightii
Platanus wrightii S. Watson
Arizona Sycamore, Alamo
Platanaceae (Plane-tree Family)
Synonym(s): Platanus racemosa var. wrightii
USDA Symbol: PLWR2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The Arizona sycamore is a large, spreading, deciduous tree up to 80 ft. tall, with beautifully arched, white branches. Leaves are large and palmately lobed to resemble a star. Light-gray outer bark flakes off to reveal the white inner bark. The fruit is four-sided with a basal tuft of long hairs.
This common tree is one of the largest and most handsome deciduous trees in the Southwest and is valuable in preventing erosion along stream banks. Large trees with their spreading whitish branches and huge, mottled trunks are conspicuous along desert valleys and canyons. It is common in Sycamore Canyon near Williams in northern Arizona. Woodpeckers and other desert birds nest in the hollow trunks of old trees.
The species name of this plant is for Charles Wright, 1811-1885, world-wide botanical collector but mainly in Texas (1837-1852), Cuba and his native Connecticut.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 80 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , NMNative Distribution: S.w. NM, AZ & n.w. Mex.
Native Habitat: Along streams and lakes & in moist rocky canyons; 2000 to 6000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Roots are good soil binders, preventing excessive erosion.
Propagation
Description: Propagate with cuttings or seed. Seed overwintered on tree and planted in early spring will germinate promptly.Seed Collection: Seeds can be allowed to overwinter on the tree. Dry heads on screens, then place dried heads in a bag and crush. If seeds are to be stored, do so in open, mesh bags placed in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Seed Treatment: Early harvested seeds or those that have been stored must be stratified.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Platanus wrightii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Platanus wrightii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Platanus wrightii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-09-23Research By: TWC Staff