Family: Platanaceae.
Latin Name: Platanus occidentalis.
Origin: Eastern United States.
Common Names: Sycamore, American Plane, Button Wood, American Sycamore.
The Tree (characteristics): The American Sycamore is a large deciduous tree that can grow to heights ranging from 75 to 100 feet tall with a massive trunk that can be anywhere from 3 to 8 feet in diameter. The tree has a wide canopy with an open crown and crooked branches. The bark of older trees will slough off in scales or plates leaving a smooth, white, inner bark. The leaves are broadly ovate in shape.
Appearance of Wood: The heartwood is light to dark brown in color. The sapwood ranges from a white to light yellow color. The wood has a closed texture with interlocking grains. American Sycamore is mostly composed of sapwood. On quartersawn surfaces there may be some distinct ray flecks giving it a freckled appearance and the name Lacewood.
Density: American Sycamore is considered moderate in weight and hardness as well as stiffness. Average reported specific gravity ranges from .46 to .55 with an average dried weight of 34 pounds per cubic foot. Janka Hardness is 770 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: American Sycamore tends to dry rapidly, therefore the wood can warp. It is considered to have moderate shrinkage and little movement in service. Average reported shrinkage values are 5.0% radial, 8.4% tangential, 14.1% volumetric.
Working Properties: American Sycamore will machine well. High-speed cutters are recommended to prevent chipping of the wood. The wood glues well and can be polished to a good finish. American Sycamore will respond poorly to steam-bending.
Durability: American Sycamore has a rating as non-durable to perishable to decay resistance. The wood tends to be susceptible to insect attack.
Uses: American Sycamore can be used for furniture and furniture parts, molding and millwork, paneling, flooring, kitchenware, butcher blocks, toys, and fruit crates. The wood has also been used for pulp wood and tool handles.
Availability: American Sycamore is readily available.