California Plane | Native Sycamore Shade Tree

Potted California Plane in a nursery setting with a clear blue sky.

California Plane Tree

15 Gallon

$169.00

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California Plane Tree

Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore

Majestic CA Native Giant • Dramatic White Patchwork Bark • Drought-Tolerant Once Established

$169.00

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+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

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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 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.

A fast-growing California native that achieves a grand, picturesque stature, often with a multi-trunked form and wide-spreading, irregular crown.
Boasts stunning, patchwork bark that exfoliates to reveal smooth, creamy white inner bark, creating a spectacular show against the blue sky or green hills.
Thrives with deep, infrequent watering once established, mirroring its natural streamside habitat, and is highly drought-tolerant compared to non-native shade trees.
Provides critical habitat and food for local birds and insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
Its large, deeply lobed leaves cast a dense shade, and it develops a charismatic, rugged form that is uniquely Californian.

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.

Features:Foliage: Palmate, 5-7 lobed deep green leaves turning tan-brown in fall.Flowers: Small, yellowish-white flowers in clustered inflorescences at branch tips.Fruit: Fuzzy round seed balls hanging in clusters of 3-7.Bark: Smooth, mottled white and gray bark exfoliating in irregular patches.Habit: Large deciduous tree with upright form and broad, spreading crown
Mature Height: 65-75 ft
Mature Width: 45-50 ft
Growth Rate: Fast (several feet per year)
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Excellent drought tolerance.Native to California ecosystems.Wildlife habitat value.Tolerates various soil conditions.Striking ornamental bark
Landscape Uses:Large landscape specimen.Riparian restoration projects.Parks and open spaces.Shade tree for large properties.Erosion control along waterways

Q: Can I plant it in a lawn or near structures?
A: Not recommended. Its roots are extensive and seek water, potentially damaging foundations, pavement, and lawn irrigation systems. It is best for large, unirrigated slopes, naturalized areas, or very large estates where it has room to grow without conflict.

Q: Why does it sometimes drop leaves in summer?
A: This is a natural drought response. If it receives no summer water, it may shed some leaves to conserve moisture. A deep watering every 4-6 weeks during the dry season can help it stay fuller. This is a normal adaptation, not a disease.

Q: How can I tell it apart from the London Plane?
A: Key identifiers: The California Sycamore typically has 3-7 seed balls in a string (London Plane has 1-2), whiter bark, a more irregular, spreading form, and a strong preference for dry summer conditions once established.