Arizona Sycamore Tree
Platanus wrightii, Planetree Family ( Platanaceae ), Arizona Sycamore Tree. Also called: Plane Tree, Planetree.
Height: Usually 50 - 65 feet, with equal or slightly less spread. Can reach 80 feet in some areas.
Flowers: Monoecious; imperfect, male flowers are on green balls about 1/2 inch in diameter. Female flowers are on green balls about 1 - 1 1/2 inches in diameter . Male and female flowers grow same tree.
Blooming Time: Southern Arizona, March - April. Phoenix Area, April - May.
Fruit & Seeds: Each brown round ball is composed of numerous tiny, tufted seeds (achenes); the balls disintegrate over the winter, dispersing the seeds with the wind.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, deciduous, 6 to 9 inches long, they have 3 to 5 pointed lobes, swollen petiole base, green above, pale green below.
Bark: The bark is white with brownish-gray sploches
Found: Native of Southern Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa.
Elevation: 0 - 5000 Feet.
Habitat: A riparian area tree, which gives an aromatic smell to creek and river habitats.
Miscellaneous: Maintenance: high; leaf drop in the fall. Photos Taken; June 4, 2006. In Glendale.
