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Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore, Mexican)
Mexican Sycamore at a San Antonio Park

Sycamore, Mexican

Mexican Plane Tree

Platanus occidentalis 'Mexicana'

The Mexican Sycamore was introduced to the Southern Texas landscapes in the past decade; its higher resistance to bacterial leaf scorch makes it a superior substitute to the American Sycamore. In addition, it prefers alkaline soils and is generally insect and disease free; very fast growing. The bark peels off in irregular patches as the tree grows, giving a handsome mottled look.

The top of the large leaves are green, while undersides a silvery pubescent hue, growing up to eight inches across. They turn brown in the fall and if windy, blow effortlessly into your neighbor’s yard, saving you time and energy in raking them up.

Mexican Sycamore is monoecious, meaning male and female flowers are separated but borne on the same tree, and pollinated by the wind. Pollinated female flowers will form a stiff ball, covered with densely compacted mesh of several hundred seeds, forming a ball measuring 1.5 inches in diameter. In the winter, the cohesion of the ball breaks down releasing the hundreds of seeds into the wind to be blown away – maybe to your neighbor’s yard yet again – the gift that keeps giving!

Large Shade Tree
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Height

70-80 Feet

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Spread

40-50 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 5a

Available Sizes:

Item Description
SYC-MEX-30 #030 SYCAMORE, MEXICAN View Current Crop Photo
SYC-MEX-45 #045 SYCAMORE, MEXICAN View Current Crop Photo
SYC-MEX-95 #095 SYCAMORE, MEXICAN View Current Crop Photo
SYC-MEX-200 #200 SYCAMORE, MEXICAN View Current Crop Photo

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
High
Exposure
Full Sun
Habit
Deciduous
Water Needs
Low