California Sycamore

Platanus racemosa

Platanaceae · broadleaf · introduced

Quick Facts

Height

40–80 ft

Growth Rate

Slow

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Wet Tolerant

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 7a–8b

Bloom Time

Apr 1-Apr 30

Origin

California (foothills and Coast Range) and Baja California

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Apr 1-Apr 30	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Leaf drop BBCH 93	Oct 15-Nov 30	Leaves yellowing and dropping; no significant fall color display
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set