Sycamore Maple Tree

Common Name: Sycamore Maple

Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus

Native to: Central Europe and Western Asia. Sycamore Maple is considered an environmental weed in Tasmania.

What does it look like: Sycamore Maple is a medium-to-large, deciduous tree that sheds its leaves once a year during the Autumn and Winter seasons. They grow between 12 and 35 metres tall. The bark on young trees is smooth and grey, turning reddish and flaky with age. Sycamore Maple trees are best identified by their unique bark. They will have a young, smooth grey trunk, with flaking patches of old red-brown bark peeling off in strips. They have large, dark green maple leaves shaped like a hand with 3-5 separate lobes or 'fingers. In spring, the Sycamore Maple will grow clusters of small green-yellow flowers. Sycamore Maples also produce' winged' called samaras or helicopter seeds that contain seeds. Their fruit change from reddish-green to brown as they age and are designed to be carried away by the wind to grow new trees.

Why is it a weed: Sycamore Maple trees invade wet habitats such as moist forests and riverbanks. In these ecosystems, Sycamore Maples will compete with native tree species. They will also impact native vegetation by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor. When they do this, Sycamore Maples destroy food and habitat sources for native animals. 

STEM Fun Fact: The wood of the Sycamore Maple tree is known for its durability and versatility, meaning that it can be used in lots of different areas including making furniture and crafting musical instruments.