Sycamore in Spring

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) flowers in late spring and creates the well-known sycamore ball that kids are fond of throwing at each other (not quite as painful as sweetgum balls). The fruit is unusual because it stays on the tree all winter as a hard, dormant ball. The following spring, the ball begins to expand and soften, soon releasing thousands of feathered achenes - tiny fruits, each containing a single seed. These achenes can float long distances in the air or on the water, and quickly germinate when they find damp soil. (Note: Sycamore in North America is called plane-tree or buttonwood in the United Kingdom, while the word sycamore is used to refer to a maple, Acer pseudoplatanus. Confusing? That's why Latin names are important.)

Sycamore flower

Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, flower

Sycamore fruit in winter

Sycamore fruit in winter

Sycamore fruit in spring

Sycamore fruit in early spring, starting to expand

Sycamore fruit in spring

Sycamore fruit in spring, releasing tiny feathered achenes into the air.

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