Looking to add a touch of California to your landscape? Look no further than Platanus racemosa, also known as the California sycamore, western sycamore, or California plane tree. Native to California and Baja California, this large tree grows up to 35 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to one meter. Its bark is a patchwork of white, tawny beige, pinkish gray, and pale brown, with older bark becoming darker and peeling away. In the fall, it drops copious amounts of dry golden to orangish red leaves.
Not only is Platanus racemosa attractive, it also has a number of uses. It has been widely planted as a landscape tree in public and private gardens, and its tough, coarse-grained wood is used as a meat preparation block by butchers. Many small birds feed on its fruit, and several mammals eat its twigs and bark.
Consider adding this beautiful and useful tree to your landscape today. With its unique form and California charm, it's sure to be a standout in any setting.