How to Identify a Sycamore Tree

Look for peeling bark., Search for “camouflage” colors in the bark., Look for a massive, dome-shaped canopy., Inspect the width of the trunk., Find zig-zagging twigs.

6 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Look for peeling bark.

    The bark of a sycamore tree is brittle and can’t withstand the rapid growth that sycamores experience.

    So the bark peels off frequently, and this results in a patchy, flaky appearance., Because the older bark peels off and reveals younger bark beneath, the bark of sycamores will be a variety of colors – brown, green, tan, and white.

    This gives the tree a distinctive pattern that resembles army camouflage., The crown, or canopy, of a sycamore tree can grow to over 60 feet (18 meters) wide and 80 feet (24 meters) tall.

    The branches and leaves fill out this space so that it creates a wide dome., While not the tallest tree, the sycamore grows to a larger diameter than any other tree in the eastern United States, so look for a trunk diameter of 3-8 feet (1-2.5 meters)., The twigs that grow off the branches will go in one direction, and then switch directions just after a bud pops out.

    This creates a zig-zig shape that looks a little like a lightening bolt.
  2. Step 2: Search for “camouflage” colors in the bark.

  3. Step 3: Look for a massive

  4. Step 4: dome-shaped canopy.

  5. Step 5: Inspect the width of the trunk.

  6. Step 6: Find zig-zagging twigs.

Detailed Guide

The bark of a sycamore tree is brittle and can’t withstand the rapid growth that sycamores experience.

So the bark peels off frequently, and this results in a patchy, flaky appearance., Because the older bark peels off and reveals younger bark beneath, the bark of sycamores will be a variety of colors – brown, green, tan, and white.

This gives the tree a distinctive pattern that resembles army camouflage., The crown, or canopy, of a sycamore tree can grow to over 60 feet (18 meters) wide and 80 feet (24 meters) tall.

The branches and leaves fill out this space so that it creates a wide dome., While not the tallest tree, the sycamore grows to a larger diameter than any other tree in the eastern United States, so look for a trunk diameter of 3-8 feet (1-2.5 meters)., The twigs that grow off the branches will go in one direction, and then switch directions just after a bud pops out.

This creates a zig-zig shape that looks a little like a lightening bolt.

About the Author

C

Claire Jordan

Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.

91 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: