Acer pseudoplatanus

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the Sycamore Maple, is a species of maple native to central Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a large deciduous tree that is often found in forests, woodlands, and hedgerows.

Description

The Acer pseudoplatanus is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. The bark is smooth and gray when young, but becomes rough and fissured with age. The leaves are opposite, large, 10-25 cm long and broad with a 5-15 cm petiole, with five lobes, the basal pair small, the next pair larger and the terminal lobe the largest. The flowers are greenish-yellow, produced in pendulous, long, racemes in spring. The fruit is a double samara with two winged seeds.

Distribution and habitat

The Acer pseudoplatanus is native to central Europe and southwestern Asia, from France eastwards to Ukraine, and south in mountains to northern Spain, northern Turkey, and the Caucasus. It is often found in forests, woodlands, and hedgerows.

Cultivation and uses

The Acer pseudoplatanus is widely grown as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. The wood is hard and strong, and has been used for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Conservation status

The Acer pseudoplatanus is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all species, it is threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

See also

• List of Acer species
• Maple

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