What soil does Sycamore maple grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Sycamore maple hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Sycamore maple be planted?

Plant it at least 4.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Sycamore maple flower?

Flowering: April–June, green, yellow.

How much water does Sycamore maple need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Sycamore maple cost?

It sells for roughly €22 to €77 in local shops, depending on size.

Sycamore maple

Acer pseudoplatanus

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €22.

Illustration of Sycamore maple — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Sycamore maple is a huge, fast-growing shade tree with a dense crown that is happiest in a cooler, more humid spot with fresh soil, and its spring flowers give bees plenty of nectar. It belongs in a large garden or park only, as it quickly outgrows a small plot. Expect masses of seedlings, heavy leaf and winged seed fall, and a tree that suffers in hot, dry places.

Watch out for

In Central Europe this is a hill and mountain species that needs humid air: in hot, dry lowland summers the leaves scorch and drop early and the tree weakens. Trees stressed by heat and drought are increasingly hit by sooty bark disease (Cryptostroma corticale): the bark peels away to reveal a black, soot-like mass of spores, branches die and then the whole tree. Inhaled spores can cause an allergic inflammation of the lungs in people, so have a diseased tree felled by professionals with protective equipment. Sycamore aphids drip sticky honeydew onto cars, paving and furniture below. Tar spot (black blotches on the leaves) is common, ugly but harmless. It seeds itself heavily and seedlings need pulling out of beds regularly.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 8 m × 5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, green, yellow

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	8 m × 5 m
Ultimate size	20–35 m × 12–25 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, green, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 4.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	Leaves, Fruit, Honeydew
Planting distance	1000 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €22

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
120-140 cm	approx. €22
190-220 cm	approx. €65
200-220 cm	approx. €40
220-250 cm	approx. €50
size not stated	approx. €77

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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