With its furious autumn color in bright yellow-orange, the sycamore maple gives the golden October a special shine. A colorful array of other special features characterizes the Rübezahl maple species. Immerse yourself here in the wondrous world of an impressive character, which a profile describes in words.
What are the characteristics of the sycamore maple?
The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large, deciduous deciduous tree native to Central Europe. It can grow to a height of 15-40 m, has a rounded crown and is known for its bright yellow-orange autumn colors. The five-lobed, dark green leaves and the inconspicuous yellow-green panicle flowers in spring are also typical.
Characteristic features in brief – profile in detail
The sycamore maple is a familiar sight to hikers in the low mountain ranges and Alps, as the mighty tree is very comfortable in the humid, cool climate. Hilly areas, ravine forests and lowlands are shared with beech, ash, elm and other deciduous trees. Its magnificent shape encourages garden architects and private park owners to plant the sycamore maple. So it is hardly surprising that it is the most common maple species in Central Europe. The following profile highlights further special features:
- Name: sycamore maple, sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
- Family: Horse chestnut family (Hippocastanoideae)
- Growth: deciduous deciduous tree with a rounded crown and emerging branches
- Height: 15 to 30 m, rarely up to 40 m
- Crown width: 10 to 15 m, rarely up to 20 m
- Trunk diameter: 100 to 200 cm
- Annual growth: 40 to 80 cm
- Leaf shape: five-lobed, dark green, grey-green underneath, 16-20 cm long, serrated leaf edge
- Flowering: inconspicuous yellow-green panicle flowers in May
- Fruits: winged nuts with tiny propellers
- Age: 400 to 500 years
The special beauty of its yellow-green spring blossoms does not lie in their aesthetic effect. Rather, it is their magical attraction to butterflies, bumblebees, beetles and other insects that makes the sycamore maple an ecological jewel. Wild bee species that have become rare, such as the red-furred sand bee and the horned mason bee, feast on the nectar.
Poisonous seeds
One of the negative features is the poisonous content of the seeds. When the winged nuts float through the air with their propellers, there is a state of alarm, especially among horse owners. The seeds contain a toxin that, even in small quantities, has a fatal effect on horses and donkeys. Scientists assume that people are not immune to harmful he alth consequences after consumption.
No symbiosis with mushrooms
In contrast to numerous other tree species, a sycamore maple does not enter into symbiosis with fungi with the aim of improving the supply of nutrients. Instead, an Acer pseudoplatanus provides enough fertilizer on its own with its leaves. One of the special features of its leaves is that they quickly turn into valuable humus after the leaves fall.
Tree of the Year 2009
Every year in October, a tree species is named “Tree of the Year” in Germany under the patronage of the current Federal Environment Minister. After the Norway maple started among the maple species in 1995, the sycamore maple continued the honorable list in 2009, followed by the field maple in 2015.
The aim of this honor is to draw people's attention to the special features of the respective title holder. Important criteria for selection are the degree of threat, rarity value and ecological significance.
Tip
We shouldn't attack a natural beauty like the sycamore maple with scissors and saws. If extensive pruning proves to be unavoidable, the time window is open from October to December. Cut back individual shoots in June/July when the sap flow has calmed down.
