Q:Β We are curious to know the identity of a tree we saw in a park, surviving the Southwest climate that has leaves that look like a maple and a round spiky seed pod. Can you tell us?
A:Β I am guessing you saw a sycamore tree. Sycamore trees are found across the U.S. The native variety we have in Arizona is sometimes called the Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii). It is also possible to find the hybrid London plane tree (PlatanusΒ x hispanica) in these parts. The Arizona native leaf shape looks more like the California native western sycamore (PlatanusΒ racemosa) and some say they are the same tree with variations due to the geographical separation between Arizona and California. The eastern American sycamore (PlatanusΒ occidentalis) more closely resembles the London plane tree in leaf shape. TMI? All these are fairly large trees for their habitats and they require lots of water to survive. In their native habitat, they are found growing near water. They are considered tough urban trees so you can find them in shopping centers but they are often stressed by the surrounding hardscape and donβt live as long as their rural relatives.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
