Sycamore Maple

Common Name: Sycamore Maple

Specific Name: Acer pleudoplatanus

Known Occurrence at Taylor Point:

Map area: Woodland 3A, Woodland 3B

Category: Invasive, Non-Native, Tree

Ecological Considerations:

Acer pseudoplatanus is a tall, deciduous, broad-leaved tree that can grow more than 100 feet tall. Tolerant of wind, urban pollution, salt spray, and low summer temperatures, it grows well along the coast. It also adapts well to extreme soil conditions.

The bark of the tree is smooth and gray when the tree is young. As it matures the bark develops irregular scales that often flake off.

The leaves are leathery in texture, unlike most maples, and are dark green above and lighter green below with thick veins protruding on the underside. The leaf margins are coarsely toothed, but do not have sharp tips.

The flowers bloom in early spring as greenish-yellow dangling flowerheads called panicles which produce considerable pollen and nectar that attract insects that pollinate them.The samaras measure 1-1.5 in. long, and have broad wings extending at angles of 60-90 degrees from each other. The winged seeds are borne in pairs and twirl to the ground when they ripen the following spring.

Sycamore Maples readily colonize disturbed areas such as abandoned farmlands and roadsides as well as pastures and abandoned lots.

Problems Posed by this Plant:

The Sycamore Maple extends a large canopy which casts dense shade, threatening the viability of shade intolerant species beneath it. It is capable of producing large numbers of seedlings, giving rise to dense tree stands with the potential to crowd out native tree species.

Acer pseudoplatanus is highly adaptable and colonizes new areas with ease . The seeds of the sycamore can remain viable for long periods of time, germinating only when the environmental conditions become favorable.

Native Species Affected by this Plant:

Factors Affording a Competitive Advantage to this Plant:

Sycamore Maples are fast-growing, highly adaptable, and characterized by high levels of seed production.

Propagation Mechanisms and Related Issues Affecting Efforts to Remove and/or Eliminate this Plant from Taylor Point:

Acer pseudoplatanus self-seeds easily from airborne seeds enclosed in winged samaras. These trees also can develop new growth from stumps or roots when the trees are cut down or damaged.

Documented Best Removal Practices and Options/Pros and Cons of Various Options:

Larger trees can be girdled in spring and summer. Smaller trees can be cut down and the cut stumps can be covered with Buckthorn Baggies. (Suzanne Enser, TPRA CRMC Permit Request Support paper)

Case Studies of Removal Efforts, Lessons Learned and Recommendations:

Additional Photos: