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Arizona Sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus wrightii S. Wats.
Synonym: Platanus racemosa var. wrightii
Family: Platanaceae

Show Larger Picture "Platanus wrightii", 19619 U.S.D.A. Forest Service, courtesy of Hunt Institute

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 10-13 USDA: 7-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun, intolerant of shade Origin: USA (Arizona, New Mexico) to northern Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua), on stream and river banks Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, fast growing 40 to 80 feet tall when mature (12-24 m), 60 to 70 feet spread (18-21 m); alternate, palmately veined, three to five lobes leaf, 4 to 8 inches wide (10-20 cm) Watering Needs: Deep waterings in summer Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Blooming Habits:
The sycamore is monoecious. The inconspicuous separate male and female spherical flower heads appear in March to April. The flowers are green.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is a tan-colored ball of multiple achenes borne on a stalk 3 to 6 inches long (7-18 cm). The ball is 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm). Each winged seed is 0.5 inch long, (1.2 cm) maturing as the leaves fall before winter, but staying on the tree until the following spring.