How much water does Arizona sycamore need?

Arizona sycamore is a high water use tree that grows along streambanks and desert washes where its roots can reach a steady water table. In cultivation it needs regular watering and struggles in dry upland soils.

What light conditions does Platanus wrightii prefer?

This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun, especially young trees growing under a partial canopy along canyon bottoms.

Does Arizona sycamore lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, Platanus wrightii is deciduous. Its large lobed leaves turn yellow to brown and drop in fall, leaving the mottled white and gray bark exposed through winter.

Is Arizona Sycamore toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arizona Sycamore as toxic to livestock.

Is Arizona Sycamore HOA-friendly?

Arizona Sycamore takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Arizona Sycamore

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Platanus wrightii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Platanus wrightii, the Arizona sycamore, is a large deciduous tree found along canyon streams and washes in the Southwest. It grows best in full sun with steady moisture near riparian corridors.

Toxicity unknown

Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arizona Sycamore as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, NM

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Arizona sycamore is a large, fast-growing native shade tree with distinctive white-barked trunk and broad, maple-like leaves. This riparian species requires consistent water and can reach impressive sizes, making it suitable only for large properties with adequate irrigation.

Growing Arizona Sycamore

Grow Arizona Sycamore in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Arizona Sycamore takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely large size inappropriate for most residential lots
High water requirements conflict with desert landscaping principles
Deciduous nature creates significant leaf litter

Wildlife value

Provides excellent nesting habitat for birds and supports various insects with its large canopy. The tree attracts wildlife typical of riparian corridors.

Common questions

How much water does Arizona sycamore need?: Arizona sycamore is a high water use tree that grows along streambanks and desert washes where its roots can reach a steady water table. In cultivation it needs regular watering and struggles in dry upland soils.
What light conditions does Platanus wrightii prefer?: This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun, especially young trees growing under a partial canopy along canyon bottoms.
Does Arizona sycamore lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, Platanus wrightii is deciduous. Its large lobed leaves turn yellow to brown and drop in fall, leaving the mottled white and gray bark exposed through winter.
Is Arizona Sycamore toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arizona Sycamore as toxic to livestock.
Is Arizona Sycamore HOA-friendly?: Arizona Sycamore takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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