Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

These broadleaf trees can grow to 35m and live for 400 years. The bark is dark pink-grey, and smooth when young, but becomes cracked and develops small plates with age. Twigs are pink-brown and hairless.

Look out for: leaf veins which are hairy on the underside.

Identified in winter by: twigs which are pink-brown and have no hairs.

What does sycamore look like?

Not to be confused with:

Field maple (Acer campestre) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). V-shaped seeds tell sycamore apart – the angle of the seeds is narrower than the others.

Where to find sycamore

Sycamore is native to central, eastern and southern Europe. It is thought to have been introduced to the UK by the Romans. However, other reports suggest it was introduced to the UK in the Tudor era around the 1500s. More widespread planting occurred in the 1700s and the earliest reports of the species naturalising in the UK date from the mid-1800s.

The seed is extremely fertile, so sycamore has spread quickly across the UK and colonised many woodlands to the detriment of native species.

Value to wildlife

Sycamore trees provide food for a variety of animals, including bees, pollinators, caterpillars, birds, and insects. The leaves are eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, including the sycamore moth, plumed prominent and maple prominent. Sycamore seeds are eaten by birds, such as greenfinch and goldfinch. Sycamore bark is eaten by insects, including sycamore lacewing and sycamore aphid. The flowers provide a good source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Sycamore trees also provide habitat for a variety of species, including birds, mammals, insects and fungi. Sycamore trees are popular nesting sites for blackbird, robin and blue tit. They also provide shelter for small mammals and bats. Sycamore trees are home to a wide variety of insects, such as species of ladybird, butterflies and beetles. They host fungi such as dryad's saddle and, occasionally, honey fungus.

Mythology and symbolism

Sycamore trees have been revered by many cultures throughout history for their beauty, strength, and longevity.

Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, the sycamore was associated with the goddess Hera, queen of the gods and goddess of marriage and childbirth. The tree was also seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance.

Celtic mythology

In Celtic mythology, the sycamore was associated with the world tree, a sacred tree that connects heaven, earth, and the underworld. The Celts believed that the sycamore was a home to fairies and other spirits, and they often planted sycamore trees near their homes for protection.

Norse mythology

In Norse mythology, the sycamore was associated with Freya, goddess of love, fertility, and war. Freya's chariot was said to be drawn by two cats, and she was often depicted sitting in a sycamore tree.

Christianity

In Christianity, sycamore is associated with the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. When Jesus saw Zacchaeus, he called him down and invited himself to Zacchaeus's house. This story is often interpreted as a symbol of God's love and forgiveness for all people, regardless of their social status or past sins.

Interestingly, the sycamore tree mentioned in the Gospels likely refers to a different tree altogether. It was most likely the Middle Eastern Ficus sycomorus, rather than Acer pseudoplatanus. This is a logical explanation since English translators of the Bible wouldn't have necessarily been familiar with Ficus sycomorus.

Crafts and customs

In addition to its mythological and religious significance, the sycamore tree has also been used in traditional crafts and customs. In Wales, sycamore trees were used to make 'love spoons' - these are decoratively carved wooden spoons that were given as a romantic gesture. In some parts of the UK, the winged seeds of the sycamore tree, known as 'helicopters', are used in flying competitions and model-making by children.

Uses of sycamore

Sycamore timber is hard and strong, pale cream and with a fine grain, and is excellent for carving. It is used to make furniture and kitchenware, such as ladles and wooden spoons as the wood does not taint or stain the food.

They are planted in parks and large gardens. Mature trees are extremely tolerant of wind, so are often planted in coastal and exposed areas as a wind break. They are also tolerant of pollution and are therefore ideal street trees.

Threats and conservation

Sycamore is susceptible to sooty bark disease (Cryptostroma corticale), which can lead to wilting of the crown and death of the tree, as well as a variety of other fungal diseases. It may also be affected by horse chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis), which appears as fluffy white spots on the trunk and branches during the summer.