Western Mountain Ash vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Western Mountain Ash vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Sorbus scopulina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Sycamore
Western Mountain Ash

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.

Western Mountain Ash is a popular ornamental tree native to the western part of North America. Its attractive, white clusters of flowers bloom in early summer, making way for red, yellow or orange fruit in the fall. If the fruit doesn't catch your eye, Western Mountain Ash's autumn colours will capture your–and the birds's–attention.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Western Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: high


Flowers: white
Berries: bunches of orange-red berries appear in late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: cascade mountain ash, greene mountain ash