Sycamore maple
Acer pseudoplatanus · Sapindaceae
📷 Christian Pirkl · CC BY-SA 3.0 at
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sycamore maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Sycamore maple
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Type
- Deciduous tree
- Adult height
- Up to 20 m
- Flowering
- April to May, yellowish-green flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, 5 serrated lobes
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Central and western Europe
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Sycamore maple settles in easily on deep, well-drained soil; water especially during the first years.
The common mistake
Heavy pruning or damaging large branches promotes poorly healed wounds.
The pro's trick
At planting, keep the root collar level with the soil and mulch generously without touching the trunk.
Seasonal watch
In late dry summer, inspect the undersides of leaves: aphids and scale insects colonize stressed trees.
Care
Exposure
The sycamore maple thrives in full sun but tolerates light partial shade. Install it in an open location where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sheltered from strong winds, it will develop more evenly.
Watering
Water regularly during the first two years after planting to encourage rooting. Once established, the tree is relatively tolerant of drought and relies on natural rainfall, except during very dry summers. A mulch layer helps maintain soil moisture during the growing season.
Soil
Prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly moist. The sycamore maple adapts to neutral or slightly acidic soils. Avoid compacted or constantly waterlogged ground, which promotes root rot.
Pruning and structure
Prune in autumn or early winter when the tree is dormant. Remove dead, crossing, or poorly oriented branches to open up the crown. Young plants benefit from staking to guide regular vertical growth.
Fertilizing
No fertilization is necessary once the tree is well established. For young plants or depleted soils, a balanced application in spring promotes vigor. Favor organic or slow-release fertilizer.
Diseases and pests
The sycamore maple is generally hardy and little affected by serious diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in humid climates and certain sap-sucking insects. Good air circulation prevents most fungal problems. Young leaves can sometimes be damaged by late frost.
Did you know?
The sycamore maple was once used in Europe for its white wood, prized for fine carpentry and sculpture, hence its English nickname « Sycamore ». In the Middle Ages, children even played with its winged seeds (samaras). Its natural presence in temperate forests makes it a valuable European botanical heritage.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
- Silver mapleAcer saccharinum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.