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Sycamore maple
DESCRIPTION: Acer pseudoplatanus is a tall tree that can reach 30 m (100 ft.) in height. The bark of the tree has irregular scales, with bark often flaking off. The palmate leaves have a leathery texture unlike most maples and are dark green above and lighter green and pubescent on the major veins below. The leaves have 5 lobes with the 2 basal lobes being reduced compared to the 3 lobes in the middle. The leaf margins are coarsely toothed, but do not have sharp tips. They are 7.5-15 cm (3-6 in.) wide and are cordate at their base. The yellowish-green flowers appear in May and are in pendulous racemes 6-15 cm (2-6 in.) long. The flowers themselves are small, measuring 4-5 mm (0.2 in.) across. The stamens of the flowers are exserted. The fruits measure 3-4 cm (1-1.5 in.) long, and have broad samaras (wings) that are at angles of 60-90 degrees from each other. Page References Bailey 637, Fernald 985, Flora of North America 359, Gleason & Cronquist 352, Holmgren 332, Magee & Ahles 721, Seymour 379. See reference section below for full citations.
SIMILAR SPECIES: Acer rubrum (L.) (red maple), Acer saccharum (Marsh) (sugar maple), Acer platanoides (L.) (Norway maple) REPRODUCTIVE/DISPERSAL MECHANISMS: Acer pseudoplatanus reproduces by wind dispersed seeds, with the help of paired samaras that are 3 to 5 cm long (1.25 to 2 inches). DISTRIBUTION: Acer pseudoplatanus is native to Europe and western Asia. In the U.S. it is found from Maine to Michigan and south from Kentucky to North Carolina. In New England it is most numerous along the coast, particularly on Cape Cod, coastal Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. So far, it is an uncommon escapee to the inland. HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION IN NEW ENGLAND: Acer pseudoplatanus was brought to New England and the Mid-Atlantic region for horticultural purposes, where it was used mostly as street and park tree. Records from the Journal of the Torrey Botanical Club note its presence in New York and New Jersey as early as 1870. Herbarium specimens at the University of Connecticut record the plant's presence in both Massachusetts and Connecticut at the beginning of the 20th century and indicate that Acer pseudoplatanus was seeding from planted trees. The Flora of New England (1969) lists Acer pseudoplatanus as being present in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. HABITATS (IN NEW ENGLAND): Abandoned Field, Early Successional Forest, Edge, Open Disturbed Area, Pasture, Roadside, Vacant Lot,Yard or Garden Acer pseudoplatanus is salt tolerant and shade intolerant; it does well in exposed, coastal habitats. It is well adapted to soil extremes and is tolerant of pollution, making it a good street tree. THREATS: Acer pseudoplatanus is capable of producing large numbers of young, giving rise to dense stands trees with the potential for crowding out native tree species. For more information
on sycamore maple, please contact: REFERENCES:
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