Quick answer: American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, sandy loams or silty clays |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Apr |
| Height | Up to 150 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds, high deer resistance, hollow trunks provide nesting sites for chimney swifts |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about American sycamore
Where is American sycamore native?
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American sycamore bloom?
American sycamore blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American sycamore need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Moist, sandy loams or silty clays. Mature height: Up to 150 ft tall.
Is American sycamore good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds, high deer resistance, hollow trunks provide nesting sites for chimney swifts.
Is American sycamore deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American sycamore is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real American sycamore seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Platanus occidentalis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American sycamore.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- River birch Betula nigra
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Bitternut hickory Carya cordiformis
Also listed under
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