Roberts' Western Sycamore | Native Shade Tree with Exfoliating Bark

Roberts' Western Sycamore

15 Gallon · Standard

$169.00

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Roberts' Western Sycamore

Platanus racemosa 'Roberts'

A refined native sycamore with deeply lobed leaves and spectacular, multi-colored peeling bark.

$169.00

Size 15 Gallon · Standard 24" Box · Standard 36" Box · Standard 48" Box · Standard

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Roberts'California Plane, Western Sycamore is a superior selected form of California's iconic native sycamore, celebrated for its deeply lobed, lush foliage and spectacularly mottled bark. This fast-growing deciduous tree offers the rugged beauty and environmental adaptability of the species, refined with deeper leaf cuts and more dramatic bark exfoliation. Its dense canopy of large, coarse-textured, bright green leaves creates excellent shade throughout the warm season. The true spectacle, however, is the bark: a constantly peeling mosaic of creamy white, pale gray, soft green, and rich brown that provides stunning winter interest. Often developing multiple, gracefully twisted trunks, it embodies the sculptural spirit of California's riparian woodlands in a garden-sized package.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Large, coarse-textured, bright green leaves with deep lobes and pronounced veins; foliage is exceptionally dense, creating heavy shade; inconspicuous flowers followed by round, bristly seed balls that persist through winter
Mature Height: 45-50 ft
Mature Spread: 35-40 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-10; Sunset 4-24
Light Requirement: Full sun
Key Benefits: Stunning multi-colored exfoliating bark, dense shade canopy, deeply lobed foliage, fast-growing, native habitat value, drought tolerant once established
Best Uses: Shade tree, specimen tree, native gardens, parks, large residential properties, riparian plantings, winter interest focal point

Q: How is 'Roberts' different from the native Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)?
A: 'Roberts' is a selected cultivar chosen for two primary improvements: 1) More deeply lobed leaves that are more ornamental and less coarse than the species. 2) More heavily exfoliated barkwith enhanced contrast and color variation, creating a more striking winter display. It may also have a slightly more compact, manageable mature size (45-50 ft vs. the species' potential 70-100+ ft).

Q: Does it get anthracnose or other diseases?
A: Western Sycamores can be susceptible to anthracnose, a fungal disease that can cause leaf blight in wet springs. 'Roberts' shows improved resistance compared to London Plane trees, but in very wet years, some leaf drop may occur. This rarely harms the tree long-term. Good sanitation (raking and disposing of fallen leaves) helps reduce recurrence. It is not as susceptible as American Sycamore.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: As a riparian native, it naturally prefers consistent moisture. However, once established (2-3 years), it exhibits good drought tolerance. For best growth and dense foliage, occasional deep watering during dry periods is recommended, especially in hotter inland climates. It will survive with less but may drop leaves earlier in summer drought.

Q: Is it messy? Does it drop a lot of leaves or seed balls?
A: It is a deciduous tree, so it drops all its leaves in late fall/early winter. It also produces the characteristic spherical, bristly seed balls that persist into winter before gradually falling. While not considered excessively messy, these seasonal traits should be considered when siting the tree near patios, pools, or pristine lawns. The winter bark display more than compensates for the minimal seasonal debris.

Q: Can it be planted near structures?
A: With a mature spread of 35-40 feet, it requires ample space. Plant it at least 20-25 feet away from buildings, walls, or large hardscape areas to accommodate its eventual width. Its roots are strong and can be invasive near foundations, sidewalks, or sewer lines if planted too close. Give it room to thrive.