When does Sycamore Maple bloom?

Sycamore Maple produces its clusters of small greenish yellow flowers in April and May, before the leaves fully expand.

What pollinates Sycamore Maple flowers?

The flowers are visited mainly by bees and beetles, which move between the hanging flower clusters to feed on nectar and pollen.

How much light does Sycamore Maple need?

This tree grows best in part shade but tolerates a range of light from full sun to part sun once established.

How much water does Sycamore Maple need?

Sycamore Maple prefers medium, consistent soil moisture but can handle drier conditions once its root system is established.

What kind of growth habit does Sycamore Maple have?

It is a large deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown, commonly planted for shade in parks, streets, and large gardens.

Is Sycamore Maple toxic to livestock?

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

Is Sycamore Maple HOA-friendly?

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

Sycamore Maple

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acer pseudoplatanus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a perennial tree. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) 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 Sycamore Maple as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

480"–720" H × 360"–600" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Sycamore Maple

Sycamore Maple is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Sycamore maple is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with broad, lobed leaves and attractive bark. It produces small greenish flowers in spring followed by winged seed pairs. This European species adapts well to various soil conditions and provides excellent shade coverage.

Growing Sycamore Maple

Grow Sycamore Maple in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 720 inches tall and spread 360 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely large size may exceed property scale
Considered invasive in some regions

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The large canopy provides nesting sites for birds and the seeds feed various wildlife.

Common questions

When does Sycamore Maple bloom?: Sycamore Maple produces its clusters of small greenish yellow flowers in April and May, before the leaves fully expand.
What pollinates Sycamore Maple flowers?: The flowers are visited mainly by bees and beetles, which move between the hanging flower clusters to feed on nectar and pollen.
How much light does Sycamore Maple need?: This tree grows best in part shade but tolerates a range of light from full sun to part sun once established.
How much water does Sycamore Maple need?: Sycamore Maple prefers medium, consistent soil moisture but can handle drier conditions once its root system is established.
What kind of growth habit does Sycamore Maple have?: It is a large deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown, commonly planted for shade in parks, streets, and large gardens.
Is Sycamore Maple toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sycamore Maple as toxic to livestock.
Is Sycamore Maple HOA-friendly?: Sycamore Maple 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.

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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