River Birch vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

River Birch vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Betula nigra

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American Sycamore
River Birch

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

River Birch has beautiful, peeling, brown bark that reveals camel-colored and pink beneath. It is more borer resistant than white bark birches, which makes it a much longer-lived landscape tree.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

River Birch Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $15.99 - SAVE UP TO 20%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Bark: dark gray-brown or pinkish-brown and scaly
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low




Other Names: black birch, water birch