American Sycamore vs Tulip Poplar - TreeTime.ca

American Sycamore vs Tulip Poplar

Liriodendron tulipifera

Platanus occidentalis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tulip Poplar
American Sycamore

Tulip Poplar is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Poplar is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

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.

Tulip Poplar Quick Facts

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Native to: ON