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Ussurian Pear (Siberian) vs American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Pyrus ussuriensis
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.
Ussurian Pear is the most cold hardy of all pear species. It is frequently used as a rootstock, or as a pollinizer for other pear varieties. The pinkish white flowers that bloom in the spring and the striking fall colours, make it well suited as an ornamental addition to your landscape.
Ussurian Pear can also be used for forming hedges or used as a shelterbelt row as it has a tendency to branch quite low.
While the Ussurian Pear is considered self-pollinating, planting with another pear variety will increase yields.