Platanus racemosa, Western Sycamore
Scientific name: Platanus racemosa
Common name: Western Sycamore
Tongva - shavar
A slow growing tree that that can reach over 100 feet tall and up to 50 feet wide. It has fragrant white flowers that bloom in the winter through spring. These trees need long deep soaks to get established. The roots might invade water and sewer pipes. This plant produces a pollen that can produce an allergic reaction.
Pruning is recommended in the winter. Young plants will require pruning to establish the structure. Mature trees are susceptible to heartwood rot that might affect the structural integrity of the tree. Mature trees should not be pruned often and large branches that are over 6” in diameter should not be pruned. If the tree has broken branches, those should be pruned because the tree will become brittle with age. If you find a mistletoe infestation on the tree all infected branches should be removed. This tree is deciduous in the winter. Leaves should be cleaned up because they are thick and do not decompose-they might smoother smaller plants.
An easy California Native to grow in the Los Angeles area. For more recommendations visit our Easiest California Native Plants to grow in your garden guide.
Plant with: Wild Rose (Rosa californica), Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), Mock-Orange (Philadelphus lewisii), willows (Salix species), and Mulefat (Baccharis salacifolia)
Care:
- Plant in full sun
- Tolerates slow, medium, and fast draining sand and clay soil
- Water once a month once established
- Hardy up to 10 degrees
- Attracts birds and butterflies
- Deer resistant
- Fire resistant
- Great for erosion control and bank stabilization
-Native to California