Platanus racemosa is a species of plane tree known by several common names, including California sycamore, western sycamore, California plane tree, and in North American Spanish . It can be found as far north as Tehama and Humboldt counties.
Description
thumb|Three-trunked specimen
This large tree grows to in height with a trunk diameter of up to one meter (three feet). The height of these trees ranges from . A specimen on the campus of Stanford University has a trunk girth (circumference) of . The trunk generally divides into two or more large trunks splitting into many branches. The bark is an attractive patchwork of white, tawny beige, pinkish gray, and pale brown.
The tough and coarse-grained wood is difficult to split and work. It has various uses, including acting as a meat preparation block for butchers. Many small birds feed on its fruit, and several mammals eat its twigs and bark. The pollen resulting from the hairs on the leaves and flowers of Western sycamores can be allergens for some people. New leaves are susceptible to anthracnose canker, which, when it causes a side bud to become the new leader, can create picturesque angling trunks and branches on older specimens. The form and wide canopy of the species make it an effective shade tree. The Native Tongva people call the tree Shavar, and teas prepared from its bark were traditionally used as a blood tonic, a remedy for asthma, and an aid during childbirth.
Ecology
Increased human interference has made P. racemosa more susceptible to cross-breeding with other Platanus species. This hybridization with other species like P. x hispanica offers P. racemosa the advantage of resisting fungal diseases, namely sycamore anthracnose. Interbred California sycamores are less vulnerable to this disease than the original P. racemosa as it harms their wood. However, sycamore anthracnose produces deadwood which creates a habitat for animals like wood ducks. The lack of non-hybridized P. racemosa thus harms the riparian woodlands in which they thrive.