Acer pseudoplatanus - Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus, better known as the Sycamore, is widely spread in the United Kingdom. With its beautiful palmate dark green foliage that turns golden-yellow in autumn, this large tree with a dense rounded habit is often used as a specimen tree or for hedgerows and windbreaks. The Sycamore is not demanding in terms of soil, as long as it is deep enough to accommodate its powerful root system. Vigorous and fast-growing, it is best suited for large gardens.

Native to mountainous regions of Europe, Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with Acer platanoides, is known by different names depending on the region, such as Sycamore maple, false plane tree, large maple, mountain maple, and occasionally white maple. It is a large forest tree belonging to the aceraceae family, reaching heights of 35 to 40 m (98 ft 5 in to 131 ft 2 in), often associated with fir and beech. This light and semi-shade tree can live up to 500 years. Its wood is commonly used for making musical instruments. The Sycamore has a spreading and rounded, very dense habit. The deciduous foliage consists of large palmate leaves divided into 5 pointed, toothed lobes, measuring 10 to 15 cm (3.9 to 5.9 in) in length. In autumn, it turns a fiery orange that can be seen from afar. The flowering, although interesting, is moderately abundant and occurs in May, after the leaves have appeared. The small yellow flowers, highly attractive to bees, are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The fruiting, in the form of two-winged samaras, is abundant. It only appears on trees at least 20 years old. The bark of the branches is brown and smooth. With age, it flakes off in large plates.

Acer pseudoplatanus is a very vigorous tree, perfectly resistant to severe frost and wind, and is not picky about soil type as long as it is deep and moist enough. It prefers slightly acidic, non-calcareous soils. It will be majestic when planted as a specimen tree in a park or large garden. It is an excellent shade tree, thanks to its dense foliage, and its great tolerance to harsh weather conditions and salt spray makes it a very good windbreak tree. Finally, if space allows, it will be magnificent as an avenue tree, adorning alleys and borders with its imposing presence, pleasant shade, and splendid autumn colours.