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American Sycamore Leaf |
Identification:
The leaves are alternate,
simple and 5 inches to 8 inches long, green
and shiny above, whitish and hairy below.
Venation is
palmate.
The base of the petiole completely encloses the bud.
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American Sycamore Bark |
The bark of the American Sycamore is
quite distinctive and beautiful in all seasons. The bark is
reddish-brown to gray when young, and thin and flaky. As the
outer bark flakes off, it exposes the white or greenish inner bark.
The twigs of the American Sycamore
are brown to orange-brown, smooth and shiny. The stipule scar
encloses the bud.
Other Uses
and Lore:
John James Audubon once wrote about observing
thousands of chimney swifts descending into a huge hollow sycamore
to use it as a roost. He returned early the following morning to
watch them exit. The swifts came pouring out in a black continuous
stream that lasted more than thirty minutes. Many
other species of wildlife use the cavities in these
trees, including many mammals.
Eastern screech owls roost and nest quite often in the cavities of
sycamores found along streams. The seeds were a favorite of the now
extinct Carolina parakeet.
The wood’s spiral grain makes it difficult to split,
and it is quite tough. It has been used for butcher’s blocks, cigar
boxes, shipping crates. It has also been used in musical
instruments and panels for Pullman cars in passenger trains.
The
Stones River
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| West Fork of
the Stones River |
While you're
here, stop for a moment and take a look at the Stones River below
Station Twelve. The riparian habitat along the West Fork of
the Stones River has many more American Sycamores. Many
species of birds frequent the brushy areas along the river.
You might also look carefully along the edges to see if you can spot
a Northern Water Snake. To return to the trailhead just
retrace your steps.
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