Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore, Planetree

Mature Height: 60-175'     Longevity: 600 years

3-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: All references indicate growth in moist areas & bottomlands. However some drought tolerance is identified.

8: "Moderate" flood tolerance. Does not like prolonged flooding.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5 w/ minor occurrence in Z4 in WI & IA. (SOUTH) Solid Z8.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS, Z5 seems to be better northern boundary than Z4.

9   Sun Strength

5   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
7.3 = Rapid-very rapid
+.3 = Pioneer Capable
+.6 = 2 Major & 4 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 85'
+.2 = 175'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
4 = Intolerant -moderate
0 = Not climax
+.6 = 2 Major & 4 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
+.1 = 85'
+.3 = 600 years

TOTAL SCORE (8.7): Growth numbers very high. Rapid growing pioneer capable tree that occurs in a wide range of soil orders.

TOTAL SCORE (5.2): Longevity soil occurrence & other factors boost strength of tree into moderate shade strength.

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Mid (Big Tree) = 4
Despite thickness of bark roots are superficial and fire wounding serves as vector for disease. Tree more often found in less fire prone areas.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Very thick trunk & moderately hard wood should overcome windsnap. Strong widespread roots indicated to resist windthrow occording to Silvics Manual. Height of tree prevents additional increase in Wind strength. FSA reports relatively windfirm. Iowa State reports lists as moderate wind resistance & outstanding height leads to average rating.
Final Value = 3