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SYCAMORE or PLANE TREE (Platanus occidentalis)
Other names: buttonwood, buttonball.

VERY GOOD

This sycamore is a tree of the eastern half of the adjacent states. It grows very rapidly, reaches 8 ft. or more in diameter and lives in excess of 200 years. The bark is a whitish brown, flakes in thin scales, is thin on young trees but thick and rough on old trees. This tree grows in bottomlands and along stream banks like the cottonwood but should not be confused with that species. Some species of sycamore are found in Arizona and California but do not reach sizes nearly as large as the plane tree discussed here. 

There are no reports of recovery of an original sycamore bearing tree. Undoubtedly many exist. 

When marking a sycamore select young trees, for large ones are probably near maturity. Blaze to firm wood, well drained and paint thoroughly. Do not bark scribe.