Is a buttonwood tree the same as a sycamore?

Buttonwood refers to the fine grained wood of the American sycamore which was often used for making wooden buttons. Sycamore wood can be finely milled without cracking; perfect for producing long-lasting clothing and shoe buttons. Indeed, my West Virginian grandfather always called sycamore trees “buttonwood.”

Why are sycamore trees also called buttonwood?

Buttonwood or buttonball tree has been given these two common names because it produces “button ball” fruit clusters; the seeds are tightly packed into large round fruits or “balls,” which hang near the tips of branchlets.

What is another name for sycamore tree?

Platanus occidentalis, commonly called sycamore, American sycamore, eastern sycamore, buttonwood or buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America.

What kind of tree is sycamore tree?

Sycamore trees are flowering trees in the plant genus Platanus and the family Platanaceae. Sycamore trees are often known as plane trees. These massive broad-leafed trees grow to between 100 and 130 ft.

Why are sycamore trees bad?

Actually, sycamores, Platanus occidentalis (PLAT-uh-nus ock-sih-den-TAY-liss) get a bad rap. Though they grow big and showy, landscapers don’t use them because they can have a lot of tree diseases. Homeowners don’t like them because they shed piles of maple-like leaves and disrupt underground lines.

Are Sycamores invasive?

pseudoplatanus is a vigorous, fast-growing tree with high light demands, and it can easily become invasive by the spread of seedlings.

Is sycamore wood expensive?

Pricing/Availability: Usually moderately priced, though Sycamore is commonly sold as quartersawn boards, which can increase the cost.

Are Sycamores good trees?

The enormous size of a sycamore tree makes it impractical for the average home landscape, but they make great shade trees in parks, along stream banks, and in other open areas. They were once used as street trees, but they create a lot of litter and the invasive roots damage sidewalks.

Are Sycamores messy?

Problems with Sycamore Trees Many problems are associated with sycamore trees. It’s fairly messy, shedding a generous supply of leaves, seed balls, twigs, and strips of bark. The leaves and leaf stems also have a coating of hair when they are new.

Are sycamore trees good for yard?

This majestic native shade tree is great for the environment and your pocketbook! This shade tree is ideal to be the main, focal tree in your yard. If you have a large yard or piece of land, Sycamores are great for planting in a row to provide lots shade in the summer. And they look beautiful too!

What is special about a sycamore tree?

Sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis) make handsome shade trees for large landscapes. The most striking feature of the tree is the bark that has a camouflage pattern comprised of gray-brown outer bark that peels off in patches to reveal the light gray or white wood beneath.

Are sycamore trees worth any money?

Re: Sycamore log, is it worth sawing? The quick answer is yes. You did not indicate the size which would determine whether it would be feasible to quarter saw (QS). Sycamore, especially if knotty, can be challenging to dry, but it makes some nice lumber.