Sycamore Tree Seeds-(Platanus occidentalis)
Sycamore Tree Seeds-(Platanus occidentalis)
Towering shade. Iconic bark. Urban-tough native.
Platanus occidentalis, the American Sycamore, is a true North American classic—towering, resilient, and instantly recognizable. Its mottled white, tan, and green bark peels away in striking patterns, revealing a trunk that gleams in sunlight and stands strong against city stress or riverbank floods. Fast-growing and deeply rooted, this species thrives where others fail, offering dense shade, erosion control, and vital wildlife habitat.
- Native to the eastern and central United States
- Signature patchwork bark in shades of white, green, and tan
- Thrives in wet soils yet handles urban heat, pollution, and compaction
- Excellent for erosion control, streambank stabilization, and restoration
- Provides cover and nesting sites for songbirds, owls, and small mammals
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Platanus occidentalis
Stratification: Required (60–90 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 4–9
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, or sand
Light: Full sun
Height: 70–100 feet
Spread: 60–80 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Plant it for legacy and longevity—American Sycamore brings strength, shade, and timeless character to any landscape.
FAQ
Where does the American Sycamore grow best?
It grows best along rivers, floodplains, and lowlands, but it also adapts well to city conditions, parks, and open landscapes with full sun.
Is the Sycamore tree good for urban planting?
Yes. Its tolerance for air pollution, compacted soils, and drought makes it a reliable choice for urban greening and large open spaces.
Does the Sycamore tree support wildlife?
Absolutely. The tree provides shelter, nesting cavities, and seeds for countless birds and small mammals throughout the year.
Related Seeds
- Bald Cypress Tree Seeds — Majestic wetland tree with feathery green foliage
- River Birch Tree Seeds — Peeling bark beauty that thrives in wet or clay soils
- Black Walnut Tree Seeds — Hardy native hardwood with edible nuts and deep shade
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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