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Sycamore maple identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus, is an introduced tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Thick leaves 5 to 6 inches long and wide with five coarsely toothed lobes and a heart-shaped base, much paler underneath. Bark: Gray-brown to red-brown, flaking off in large scales that expose orange patches. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify sycamore maple
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with lobes |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Thick leaves 5 to 6 inches long and wide with five coarsely toothed lobes and a heart-shaped base, much paler underneath. |
| Bark | Gray-brown to red-brown, flaking off in large scales that expose orange patches. |
| Fruit | Pairs of winged seeds about 1 1/2 inches long spreading at roughly 45 degrees. |
| Twigs | Stout greenish brown twigs with big green buds. |
| Size and shape | Wide-spreading crown on a short trunk; 60 to 70 feet. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is sycamore maple native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists sycamore maple as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like sycamore maple
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Red maple Acer rubrum | Opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Leaves 2 to 4 inches long with 3 to 5 lobes, toothed edges and shallow notches; whitish underneath. |
| Mountain maple Acer spicatum | Opposite, simple leaves with toothed edges. Leaves 3 to 4 inches long with 3 (sometimes 5) short lobes and coarse teeth, a bit hairy underneath. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other maples in Pennsylvania
Boxelder (Acer negundo), Black maple (Acer nigrum), Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), Silver maple (Acer saccharinum), Sugar maple (Acer saccharum), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), Amur maple (Acer ginnala).
Questions
How do you identify sycamore maple?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Thick leaves 5 to 6 inches long and wide with five coarsely toothed lobes and a heart-shaped base, much paler underneath. Bark: Gray-brown to red-brown, flaking off in large scales that expose orange patches.
Is sycamore maple native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists sycamore maple as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
How big does sycamore maple get?
Wide-spreading crown on a short trunk; 60 to 70 feet.
How can you tell sycamore maple in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stout greenish brown twigs with big green buds. Bark: Gray-brown to red-brown, flaking off in large scales that expose orange patches.
What tree looks like sycamore maple?
Red maple, Mountain maple. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Acer pseudoplatanus fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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