Buttonwood
Platanus occidentalis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. D588 — Platanus occidentalis
Platanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalisPlatanus occidentalis
IOverview
Overview
Buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its light wood and adaptability, it thrives in moist to wet soils with a pH range of 4.9–6.5. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is found in habitats from California to Florida, including parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. While primarily recognized for its ornamental value, buttonwood also offers edible sap that can be tapped similarly to maple syrup. Its distinctive feature includes a smooth, gray bark that peels off in thin strips, creating a unique appearance.
Quick answers
What is Buttonwood?
Buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its light wood and adaptability, it thrives in moist to wet soils with a pH range of 4.9–6.5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Buttonwood thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types with a pH between 4.9 and 6.5. It is best suited for areas that are hardy in zones 4-9. This tree requires ample sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the sap from mature trees for edible uses.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.9–6.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Buttonwood for the first time
8steps
Buttonwood is a hardy tree that can be a rewarding first planting project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A Buttonwood sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well but can be moist; pH should range from 4.9 to 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a sapling, as seeds are difficult to germinate.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Sap
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Wind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:California, Mexico Northwest, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · d5883cbc-aff5-432b-ad19-40d0b4c03f4c
Decision aid
Choosing between Buttonwood and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.