Sycamore

Description

Overall view of a sycamore tree in autumn in an open field.

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis/Platanaceae. The genus Platanus, also known as buttonwood or plane tree, is composed of about 8 species native to Eastern Europe, western Asia and North America. All species are identical at the cellular level. The British term “Sycamore” refers to a species in the Hard Maple group (Acer pseudoplatanus), and Plane Tree is used for Platanus that grows there. Platanus occidentalis grows naturally in entire the eastern United States, usually in wet areas near rivers or streams. Platanus trees reach heights of 120 ft with diameters of over 3 ft. Platanus sapwood light tan to light yellow, with dark brown heartwood. The wood is classified as moderate in most physical and mechanical properties. It is similar to Willow in most properties and applications. It is used for boxes, containers, flooring, furniture (especially drawer sides), millwork, pallets, paper, particleboard, plywood, pulp wood, and veneer.

Tech Sheet

https://research.fs.usda.gov/silvics/sycamore

Characteristics

Sycamore leaf above the forest floor.

Characteristics found in the Sycamore (Platanus spp.):

  • Diffuse Porous
  • Simple perforations
  • I/V pits variable (2-12)
  • Wide rays (< 15 seriate) & homocellular

Slides (Click on each image to view a larger image)

WOOD SLIDES

Microscopes of transverse section of Sycamore wood. Arrows point to the rays and growth ring.
Microscope slide of radial section of Sycamore wood. Arrows point to the vessels and rays.
Microscope slide of radial section of Sycamore wood at higher magnification areas point to the vessels and the rays.
Microscope slide of radial section of Sycamore Wood. At high magnification. Arrows point to scalariform type perforation plates.
Microscope slide of tangential section of Sycamore wood. Arrows identify wide type rays
Microscope slide of tangential section of Sycamore wood at high magnification. Arrows identify inter-vessel pits and fibers.

CHARCOAL SLIDES

Microscope slide of transverse section of Sycamore charcoal. Rays and growth ring boundaries are visible.
Microscope slide of transverse section of Sycamore charcoal. Arrows point to the rays and growth ring boundaries.
Microscope slide of radial section of Sycamore charcoal at high magnification. Arrows define the length of the wide rays.
Microscope slide of tangential section of Sycamore charcoal at high magnification. Arrows point to the wide rays.
Microscope slide of tangential section of Sycamore charcoal at high magnification. Arrows point to the wide rays.