Laurel Leaf Willow vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

Laurel Leaf Willow vs American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Salix pentandra

American Sycamore
Laurel Leaf 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.

Laurel Leaf Willow is a round-shaped tree with attractive dark green leaves.

This cold hardy tree can withstand bitter winters and still put on lots of growth every summer. Laurel Leaf Willow prefers moist to wet ground and full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade too. This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

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.

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Laurel Leaf Willow Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 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
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: bay willow, bay-leaf willow, laurel willow