Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)

Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore). . , Family: Platanaceae (Planetree Family), Distribution: The American sycamore is widespread throughout the eastern United States and Ontario. It also occurs in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. This tree is common in every county of West Virginia., Size: 59-121 ft., Habitat/Description: This monoecious, deciduous tree can be found in old fields, swamps, sloughs, wet river bottoms, streambanks, waterway disposal sites, and spoil banks damaged by channelization. It is most commonly found in woods mixed with willows, red maples, silver maples, boxelders, and sweetgums. It requires full sunlight and silty clay or sandy loam soils. In the floodplains of large rivers, it is a major pioneer species. Yellow, red, green, or brown flowers bloom in between April and May, or as early as late March in the South. Orange or brown fruits ripen between September and October. These fruits usually fall from the tree throughout the winter and into the spring. The bark of sycamore peels off in thin plates, which exposes the lighter inner layers underneath. This tree tolerates air pollution well and is disease resistant. However, the sycamore is susceptible to ozone damage. It is one of West Virginia's largest trees. In fact, John and Samuel Pringle lived in a hollow sycamore located just outside the present site of Buckhannon from 1764 to 1767. This is a native, non-invasive species., Ethnobotanical Uses: Native Americans used this tree for several raedicinal remedies. The most popular were those that treated cold and cough. However, ermatological, gynecological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dietary remedies were also used. The close-grained and heavy lumber of sycamore has many interlocking fibers. As a result, it is difficult to work. However, despite this, the wood has been used for crates, boxes, fiberboard, blocks, furniture, and interior trim.