The sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large, deciduous, broadleaved tree that was introduced to the UK in the 17th century and has now become naturalised.
As with most Acer family trees, they have palmately lobed leaves around 8-10cms across with the stems of younger plants being reddish in colour.
The bark is dark pinkish grey in colourand smooth when young, but it becomes cracked and develops small plates with age.
The flowers are small, greeny-yellow in colourand hang in racemes and after pollination by wind and insects, female flowers develop into distinctive winged fruits/seeds, known as samaras.
Sycamores are often seen planted in parks and large gardens, mainly for shade or ornamental purposes. The mature trees are very tolerant of wind, so are often planted as wind breaks in coastal and exposed areas.
They can also tolerate pollution so are particularly suited for planting in towns and cities.