Western Sycamore

Western Sycamore

15 Gallon / Standard
$169.00
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Western Sycamore
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Western Sycamore

Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore

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

$169.00
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Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

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.

  • 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.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 65-75 ft
  • Mature spread: 45-50 ft

Needs confirmation

  • 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
  • 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

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

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15 Gallon

15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

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24" Box

24" Box

A substantial tree and shrub size with immediate visual impact. It usually requires a dolly, hand truck or similar equipment for moving, and access should be considered before delivery.

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36" Box

36" Box

A major landscape size for mature trees and high-impact planting. These trees are very heavy and typically require equipment for unloading, positioning and installation.

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48" Box

48" Box

A major specimen size for projects where immediate scale matters. Delivery and placement require careful access planning and heavy equipment, often including a forklift or crane.

Explore 48" Box Trees

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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