California sycamore (Platanus racemosa)

Native: California

General Notes:

A Platanus racemosa in Oakdale is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 106 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 355 inches and a crown spread of 136 feet.

Tree Characteristics

• Shape: Oval, Rounded or Umbrella
• Foliage: Deciduous, Palmate, Light Green, Bronze,
• Height: 30 - 80 feet.
• Width: 20 - 50 feet.
• Flowers: Inconspicuous. Flowers in Spring.
• Fruit: Prolific, Brown or Mostly Green Achene, Medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall.
• Bark: Striking, Cream or Light Green, Exfoliating, Furrowed or Smooth.
• Shading Capacity: Dense in Leaf. Moderate out of Leaf.
• Litter Issue: Dry Fruit, Leaves, Twigs and Bark.​

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

• Zones: Sunset 4 – 24, USDA Hardiness 7 - 10.
• Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Pests & Disease Information

• Resistant: Verticillium.
• Susceptible: Leaf Miner, Scales and Spider Mites, Anthracnose, Oak Root Rot, Phytophthora, Mistletoe, Apignomonia venata and Root Rot.​

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

• Branch Strength: Medium.
• Root Damage Potential: Moderate.
• Health Hazard: Allergy
• Biogenic Emissions: High
• Attracts: Birds.

Sources:

SelecTree. "Platanus racemosa Tree Record." 1995-2018. Feb 23, 2018. < https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/platanus-racemosa >