Acer pseudoplatanus – Sycamore

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the Sycamore, is a large deciduous tree that typically reaches a height of 20–35 metres. Native to Central, Eastern and Southern Europe it has become naturalised in this country. It features a broad, rounded crown and a dense canopy. The leaves are large, 10–25 cm long, and palmate with five lobes, turning yellow to brown in the autumn. Its bark is smooth and grey on young trees, developing a rough, scaly texture with age. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in spring and winged seeds called samaras in late summer. It is valued for its timber.