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American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), mature and planted

Shade Trees

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

American Sycamore delivers instant presence, racing to a towering 70 to 100 feet with a broad 40

$262

Ships in 1-3 weeks (freight).

Height: 5-6 ft.
Quantity
1

Freight delivery: $149 flat per order, shown at checkout.

  • 1-Year Guarantee, free replacement
  • Freight delivery nationwide
  • Ships in 1-3 weeks (freight)
  • Delivered ready to plant

5-6 ft.

$262

Drought TolerantHeat TolerantCold HardyShade TolerantWind TolerantStreet Tree

Why you'll love it

A fast, easy way to a finished landscape

A fast grower. Expect quick, satisfying progress every season.

Growth rate
Fast
Mature size
70 ft. - 100 ft. tall · 40 ft. - 70 ft. wide
Hardy in
USDA zones 4-9
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant
  • Cold Hardy
  • Shade Tolerant

The Arbor Buddy difference

Why buy from us

Grown to thrive. Established, well-rooted plants shipped at the right size, not bare twigs.

Matched to your zone. Set your USDA zone and we show you exactly what will flourish where you live.

Backed for a year. Every tree is covered by our 1-Year Thrive Guarantee.

About this tree

American Sycamore delivers instant presence, racing to a towering 70 to 100 feet with a broad 40 to 70 foot canopy that throws generous, cooling shade. Its fast growth and rugged nature make it a natural for street plantings or anchoring a large yard, thriving in USDA zones 4 to 9. Drought, heat, cold, shade, and wind tolerance keep it performing season after season. Subtle blooms arrive in March, while the expansive crown creates a timeless backdrop for lawns, patios, and play spaces.

USDA hardiness zones 4-9

Set your zone in the header to see if this tree thrives where you live.

Plant details

Mature height
70 ft. - 100 ft.
Mature width
40 ft. - 70 ft.
Growth rate
Fast
USDA zones
4-9
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water needs
High
Soil
Clay, Loamy, Sandy, Silty, Well Drained
Spacing
30 ft.
Bloom season
Early Spring (March), Late Winter (March)

Full planting & care

Planting

Choose a spot with full sun or partial sun and clay, loamy, sandy, silty, well drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground, backfill, and water in well. Space about 30 ft. from other plants.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially through the first two seasons; water deeply 2-3 times a week in summer heat.

Fertilizing

Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. A second light feeding in early summer supports vigorous growth. Avoid fertilizing late in the season.

Pruning

Prune in late winter while dormant to remove any dead or crossing branches and to shape. Minimal pruning is needed otherwise.

Frequently asked questions

How big does it get?

At maturity it reaches about 70 ft. - 100 ft. tall and 40 ft. - 70 ft. wide, so give it room.

What growing zones does it suit?

It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Shipping

Delivery method
Curbside freight, nationwide (lower 48)
Shipping cost
$149 flat per order
Lead time
Ships in 1-3 weeks; carrier schedules a delivery window

Compare similar trees

American SycamoreThis treeBur OakCedar ElmChinkapin OakHesperocyparis (Cupressus) macrocarpa Goldcrest Monterey Cypress
Mature height70 ft. - 100 ft.50 ft. - 70 ft.40 ft. - 70 ft.40 ft. - 70 ft.10 ft. - 15 ft.
Mature width40 ft. - 70 ft.40 ft. - 70 ft.30 ft. - 50 ft.40 ft. - 70 ft.3 ft. - 5 ft.
Growth rateFastModerateFastModerateModerate
SunlightFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun, Partial Sun
USDA zones4-93-86-94-87-10

Your dream yard, without the hassle

Skip the trip

Big, landscape-grade trees delivered straight to your door. No hauling.

Huge selection

Shade, flowering, evergreen, fruit and more, matched to your USDA zone.

Nursery quality

Established, well-rooted plants grown to thrive, not just to ship.

Backed by us

Every tree carries our 1-Year Thrive Guarantee.