Sycamore Maple

The sycamore maple is a non-native species that is no longer planted in Central Park. Its Latin name means "false planetree," a nod to the tree's leaf, which does resemble the plane trees. The wood of the sycamore maple is traditionally used for the scrolls and backs of violins and in the manufacture of other musical instruments and furniture. Figured grain woods usually comes from the sycamore maple and may also be known as flame maple, tiger maple, curly maple, or rippled sycamore.

  • Leaves

    3-6 inches across, opposite arrangement, five-lobed (three primary lobes with two smaller basal lobes)
  • Fruit

    1.25-2 inch samaras, arranged in pendulous clusters
  • Flower

    Yellowish green, bloom in May
  • Bark

    Steel gray, irregularly scaly, orange color shows where bark flakes off

Where to find the Sycamore Maple