How much water does California sycamore need?

This tree is often found growing along stream banks and seasonal washes, so it does best with regular to consistent moisture while young. Established trees can handle periods of summer drought once their roots reach deeper water sources.

What is the growth habit of California sycamore?

California sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that can reach 40 to 100 feet tall. It often develops a leaning trunk or several trunks when growing near creeks and rivers.

What pollinators visit California sycamore?

Bees and beetles are commonly seen visiting the small flower clusters of California sycamore in spring, along with some wind assisted pollen movement typical of the sycamore family.

When does California sycamore flower?

California sycamore blooms from March through May, producing round clusters of small greenish flowers before the leaves fully expand.

Is California Sycamore toxic to livestock?

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

Is California Sycamore HOA-friendly?

California Sycamore is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

California Sycamore

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Platanus racemosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

California sycamore is a large deciduous tree common along streambanks, washes, and floodplains in California, blooming from March through May with small flower clusters that attract bees and beetles.

California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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 California Sycamore as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–960" H × 240"–720" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

California sycamore is a majestic native tree with distinctive mottled white and tan bark and large maple-like leaves. It grows rapidly to create an impressive shade canopy with graceful spreading branches that can reach 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide. The tree displays small reddish flowers in spring followed by round, bristly seed balls.

Growing California Sycamore

Grow California Sycamore in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 960 inches tall and spread 240 to 720 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Sycamore is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: street edge, mid zone.

Extremely large size requires appropriate space planning
Drops significant leaf litter in fall
Surface roots can disrupt hardscapes if planted too close

Wildlife value

Host plant for California sister butterfly.

Sycamore supports local ecosystems by providing nectar for bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. The tree also offers valuable nesting sites for birds and habitat for numerous beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much water does California sycamore need?: This tree is often found growing along stream banks and seasonal washes, so it does best with regular to consistent moisture while young. Established trees can handle periods of summer drought once their roots reach deeper water sources.
What is the growth habit of California sycamore?: California sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that can reach 40 to 100 feet tall. It often develops a leaning trunk or several trunks when growing near creeks and rivers.
What pollinators visit California sycamore?: Bees and beetles are commonly seen visiting the small flower clusters of California sycamore in spring, along with some wind assisted pollen movement typical of the sycamore family.
When does California sycamore flower?: California sycamore blooms from March through May, producing round clusters of small greenish flowers before the leaves fully expand.
Is California Sycamore toxic to dogs?: California Sycamore is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is California Sycamore toxic to cats?: California Sycamore is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is California Sycamore toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Sycamore as toxic to livestock.
Is California Sycamore HOA-friendly?: California Sycamore is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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