Sycamore
Sycamore navigation
The sycamore tree was brought over from France in the Middle Ages. It was often planted to shelter and shade farmhouses, as it can withstand salty winds. Its botanical name is Acer pseudoplatanus.
Sycamore timber was popular for kitchen surfaces and utensils too, since it doesn’t stain or taint food and stays smooth, even after a good scrub. Its ability not to stain cloth meant it was also ideal for textile rollers.
Facts and statistics
Here are some interesting facts about sycamore trees.
200 years.
Reaches 25 metres.
Its leaves often have ‘tar spots’ caused by the fungus Rhytisma acerinum.
The sycamore seeds profusely. Its winged seeds, set in pairs, usually fall together spinning round like helicopter blades.
It has smooth grey bark. This develops rough flat surface plates that fall away to reveal orange-brown bark below.
Central and southern Europe, extending north to Paris.
The pale cream timber is usually without a marked grain. This means finely grained pieces are in high demand for making violins and furniture veneers.