Acute Willow vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Acute Willow vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Salix acutifolia

American Sycamore
Acute Willow

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.

Acute Willow is a very fast growing small tree that can reach growth rates of up to 6 feet per year. It's a great choice for developing a quick, hardy shelterbelt, windbreak, or privacy screen.

Acute Willow will grow multi-stemmed but can be pruned to a single stem for a smaller footprint. It prefers moist areas and requires almost no maintenance.

Willows are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Acute Willow Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Bark: younger branches are bright brown-red
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: acute leaf willow, acute leafed willow, long-leaved violet willow, sharp-leaf willow