Golden Willow vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs American Sycamore

Salix alba vitellina

Platanus occidentalis

Golden Willow
American Sycamore

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow 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.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

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.

Golden Willow Quick Facts

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Lowest Price: $9.99 - SAVE UP TO 41%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow