Sycamore

Patchwork bark peeling away in creamy white and tan layers makes American sycamore unmistakable. Large, maple-like leaves and a broad crown deliver generous summer shade for parks and large properties. Fast-growing and fond of moist sites, it helps stabilize streambanks and floodplains. Birds and other wildlife find valuable habitat in its branches. Each fuzzy seed ball breaks apart into many small seeds that generally sprout without any pretreatment.