Plant Database
Western Sycamore
Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore
The Western Sycamore, California Sycamore is a majestic, fast-growing native giant that defines our riparian landscapes. With its dramatic, white-mottled bark and massive, spreading limbs, it is a living sculpture perfectly adapted to our climate. It is the ultimate choice for a low-water, large-scaleshade tree in expansive, naturalistic Bay Area gardens, where its seasonal beauty and ecological value can be fully appreciated.
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A fast-growing California native that achieves a grand, picturesque stature, often with a multi-trunked form and wide-spreading, irregular crown.
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Boasts stunning, patchwork bark that exfoliates to reveal smooth, creamy white inner bark, creating a spectacular show against the blue sky or green hills.
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Thrives with deep, infrequent watering once established, mirroring its natural streamside habitat, and is highly drought-tolerant compared to non-native shade trees.
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Provides critical habitat and food for local birds and insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
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Its large, deeply lobed leaves cast a dense shade, and it develops a charismatic, rugged form that is uniquely Californian.