Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanusfam. Sapindaceae
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Pl. CFE7 — Acer pseudoplatanus
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IOverview
Overview
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family and can be found in parts of Europe including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible leaves, sap, and seedpods, this tree thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH range of 5.8 to 7. Its native range includes Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. One distinctive feature is its light wood with a unique mottled appearance, while another notable characteristic is its ability to grow up to 30 meters in height.
Quick answers
What is Sycamore?
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family and can be found in parts of Europe including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia.
What is Sycamore used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Sycamore
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Sycamore is traditionally used in European herbal medicine to aid digestion, particularly as a tea made from the leaves. It helps alleviate digestive discomfort and supports gut health.
The mechanism involves compounds like tannins that have astringent properties, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sycamore Soothe
stresstincture
Traditionally used for calming the mind.
Leafy Relax
relaxationtea
Historically used for soothing the nervous system.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) thrives in moist but well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types. It prefers a pH range of 5.8 to 7 and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 4-7. This tree requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Propagation can be done through seeds or grafting. The leaves, sap, and seedpods are edible but not commonly consumed.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.8–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Sycamore for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple sycamore tree to observe its growth and beauty.
- 1
What you'll need
A young sycamore sapling, garden gloves, a spade or shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil. Ensure the area has enough space for a large tree.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from a nursery pot to your garden, ensuring they are at the same depth as in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts, focusing on removing any weak or crossing branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close to buildings, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSapSeedpod
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Fire starterPioneerPreservativeWind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe20 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (5)IrelandNetherlandsSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Kazakhstan
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina South, Illinois
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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